If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen those weird, vague headlines that make it look like we’ve lost another Hollywood legend. It’s a bit of a plague, honestly. You're scrolling, see a black-and-white photo of a beloved star, and your heart just sinks. So, let’s clear the air immediately: the actress Sally Field is still alive, well, and frankly, she’s busier than many people half her age.
As of early 2026, Sally Field is 79 years old. She isn't just "around," either. She is actively working, showing up on red carpets with some of the best natural gray hair in the business, and still making the kind of career moves that would make a newcomer jealous.
Is the actress sally field still alive and what is she doing now?
It’s funny how people assume that once an actress hits her 70s, she just disappears into a house in Malibu to garden. Not Sally. If you’re wondering about her current status, she is currently involved in the production of the film adaptation of Remarkably Bright Creatures. It’s based on that massive bestseller by Shelby Van Pelt—the one with the octopus.
She’s playing Tova, which is pretty much perfect casting if you’ve read the book.
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Staying relevant for sixty years in Hollywood is nearly impossible. Most people burn out or get pushed out. Sally? She just evolves. She’s gone from Gidget and The Flying Nun in the sixties to winning two Oscars, and now she’s a staple in big-budget projects like 80 for Brady and the Amazing Spider-Man films.
Why the rumors start
Death hoaxes are basically a sport on the internet now. Usually, a "tribute" page pops up on Facebook, or a clickbait YouTube thumbnail uses a misleading title to get views. Sometimes, people just get confused because she speaks so openly about her past—like her 2018 memoir In Pieces. When an actor releases a deep, emotional autobiography, the "looking back" nature of the press coverage can sometimes make people think it's a final farewell. It wasn't. It was just her being incredibly honest about the rough parts of her life.
Health, aging, and that famous "shouting from the mountaintops"
Sally has never been one to hide the reality of getting older. She’s been the face of bone health awareness for years after being diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2005. She didn't just deal with it privately; she partnered with health organizations to tell women, "Hey, I’m small-boned and Caucasian, I’m at risk, and you might be too."
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She’s still vigorous. You might catch a glimpse of her walking her dog, Dash, around Los Angeles, looking like any other person just trying to get their steps in.
Recently, she’s been more vocal than ever about things she cares about. During the last election cycle, she hopped back on social media—which she famously hates—to encourage people to vote. She’s a grandmother now, and she’s said her "hope" is fueled by her 18-year-old grandson. That doesn't sound like someone who is winding down. It sounds like someone who is fired up.
The "unrecognizable" headlines
You’ve probably seen those "Sally Field Looks Unrecognizable" articles. They’re kind of mean-spirited, aren't they? Usually, it’s just a photo of her without professional makeup or wearing a hat while running errands. Honestly, she looks like a 79-year-old woman who has lived a full, complicated life. She’s embraced her gray hair and has spoken out against the "awful" ageism in Hollywood.
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Her legacy is still growing
It’s easy to get stuck on Norma Rae or Mrs. Doubtfire. Those are the classics. But her recent work is just as sharp.
- 80 for Brady (2023): She proved she still has perfect comedic timing alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.
- Winning Time (2022-2023): Her performance as Jessie Buss was a masterclass in playing a "steely matriarch."
- Remarkably Bright Creatures (Upcoming): This is the one to watch for in late 2026.
If you're worried about Sally Field, don't be. She’s living her life on her own terms, which, if you know anything about her history, is exactly how she’s always done it. She’s survived a lot—an illegal abortion at 17, a complicated relationship with Burt Reynolds, and the cutthroat nature of show business.
Next steps for fans:
If you want to support her work, the best thing to do is actually watch it. Pick up a copy of In Pieces to understand the woman behind the "sweetheart" image, or keep an eye out for the Remarkably Bright Creatures trailer. And the next time you see a weird headline asking if she's still with us, you can confidently tell your friends that she is very much alive and probably working on her next hit.