Field was born in Pasadena, California, on November 6, 1946. Her father, Richard Dryden Field, was an Army Air Corps officer, and her mother, Margaret Field, was an actress. Field's parents divorced when she was young, and she was raised by her mother. Field attended Birmingham High School in Van Nuys, California, and began acting in school plays at an early age.
Field's first professional acting role came in 1965, when she appeared in an episode of the television series "Gidget." She went on to appear in a number of other television series, including "The Flying Nun" (1967-1970), "The Girl with Something Extra" (1973-1974), and "Sybil" (1976). Field made her film debut in the 1967 film "The Way West."
Field's breakthrough role came in the 1979 film "Norma Rae," for which she won her first Academy Award for Best Actress. She went on to star in a number of other successful films, including "Smokey and the Bandit" (1977), "Places in the Heart" (1984), "Steel Magnolias" (1989), and "Forrest Gump" (1994). Field has also won two Golden Globes for her work in the television series "ER" (1994-2003) and "Brothers & Sisters" (2006-2011).
Field is a highly respected actress who has been praised for her talent, her versatility, and her dedication to her craft. She is a role model for many young actors and actresses, and she continues to inspire audiences with her powerful performances.