Sally Field to Steven Spielberg: "You're Wrong, Steven....You're Wrong" | 92Y Talks

In this clip, Sally Fields explains how she got the part of Molly in Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln." Recorded November 13, 2012, at the 92nd Street Y, New York.

[@goopah]

Kudos to the interviewer for never interrupting this wonderful story. Rare these days.

[@jenniferrussellstudio]

Agreed.

[@gioPHL]

Very well said! 100% Very few interviewers actually LISTEN.

[@josephkelley8641]

takes a special one, a special interviewer (Annette) .

[@waynej2608]

Absolutely! Very refreshing. Great to hear Sally articulate and elaborate, w/out annoying interruptions.

[@elliotrawls4929]

Excellent observation

[@acesovernines]

That's what you call a true great artiste - a two time Oscar winner yet so hungry for a role she believed in and with such humility... kudos Sally Field!

[@SpiralMystic]

One of my all time favourite Hollywood people. So genuine and fabulous actor.

[@tijan8948]

Honestly she was the emotional center of the film. Her Mary Todd seemed to humanize Lincoln. Hats off

[@emmagrove6491]

When I first saw Sally Field as Mary Todd, it just immediately seemed to work. She really nailed that part, and now I know what she did to earn it. No Hollywood snobbery here.

[@danajohnson3741]

She got robbed. She should have won the Oscar for her amazing performance.

[@Aurabora54321]

Agreed, it was brilliant in depth and feeling!

[@NipItInTheBud100]

What a story!! Sally is a fantastic woman and I’m so glad she was in Lincoln!! Kudos to the interviewer for not interrupting such a great story from one of the great storytellers!!

[@marleneflourentzou680]

I so love Sally Field as an actress and as a humble human being!

[@Jumbaride]

She's a dream. 💙

[@AJ-wg7fj]

She’s not humble, she’s simply authentic. (Maybe that means she’s humble too, but semantics). I really like her recollection here, and I love that she takes it all in stride, she doesn’t obsess over gender dynamics, she concentrates that she respects her peers. Really nice.

[@BobbyCoxe1]

She is the real deal. Transparent, honest, and a wonderful sense of humor.

[@eliza1826]

Horrible actress and boring lmao

[@tm2bee]

She really is! As the clip finished, I said out loud to myself "I just love her." Then in thinking about why that is I realized it's because she is always so open in her interviews. A rehearsed persona of Sally doesn't show up, it's the real Sally.

[@montyduskin4610]

I just can't get enough of her !!! And I'm proud of her for pursuing Mary !!! Because like everything she does she nailed it !!

[@JoeHarkinsHimself]

as a small time, unknown actor who is constantly auditioning and dealing with the same issues, it is helpful and heartening to hear that someone of her stature, accomplishments and history deals with the same process. Thank you Sally, for being so open and vulnerable.

[@larrybaby9377]

The genuine humility of Sally Field, in telling this tale, in her openness to a gruelling audition process, and in her performances, is the secret of her incredible power and beauty. I will always love Sally Field.

[@goldengram3865]

Humility? That's what you took from this? It speaks arrogance and ego to me.

[@artparty222murphy9]

My favorite flying nun , from my childhood to now, I’ve always admired her spunk

[@jamesanthony5681]

' *Gruelling* ' audition process? What did she do? Road construction in 100+ degree heat??

[@goldengram3865]

@@jamesanthony5681 bahaha

[@dolinaj1]

Watering: you need a new insult.

[@jimmyl324]

I saw Sybil as a kid and never forgot it. Mesmerizing and unforgettable .

[@unprocessed_life]

and when you read her memoir, you go "oh fuck she had a lot to pull from for that"

[@angelacarleton9575]

I did too a long time ago and it hurt to realize there are parents out there with mental health and their spouses that don't take the initiative to protect their children from those monsters that hurt their children. I could only watch it once and then I cried due to the pain that child was placed throughout her life from her mother. It was wonderful when Sally got the Golden Globe Award for her performance. Great job Sally!

[@cherylstein7021]

It was the role that finally got her taken seriously as an actress. Up to that point, her resume had consisted almost entirely of starring in two silly, lightweight TV series: "Gidget" and "The Flying Nun". (She had also starred in an interesting movie called "Stay Hungry" with Jeff Bridges and Arnold Schwarzenegger in his first acting role.) Nothing in those TV shows allowed her to show her range and ability as an actress. "Sybil" was the first thing that made some people sit up and take notice. Joanne Woodward (who co-starred with Field, playing the psychiatrist who treated Sybil) talks about the casting process in an interview included in the six-part documentary about her and Paul Newman, "The Last Movie Stars." She said that the producers were reluctant to cast Field; but that, after they did a screen test together, Woodward was adamant that Field had to get the part. Thank goodness she did.

[@lisakotch9063]

Sally is a great story teller. No wonder why she is one of the greatest actors of our time.

[@lisawilliams2013]

Digby Dooright agreed. I was riveted. And in the end inspired.

[@UnderstandingDarkness]

“Catch the wave like a goose taking off over water just barely being able to get there….” 💞💞💞

[@johnscavens]

Sally Field is a national treasure.Her book is really terrific,as well.

[@bobhess7434]

What a story. Two Oscars, three Emmys, two Golden Globes, and a couple of Tony nominations...and she is happy to do an audition to pursue a role the director does not see her in by auditioning. Twice. Such a professional.

[@briankooker2627]

Tonys?

[@reptongeek]

Broadway's theatre award

[@briankooker2627]

@@reptongeek I was referring to the plural. She was nominated once.

[@DrCruel]

When you've been a successful actress for so long you know more about the role Spielberg wants than Spielberg does.

[@jamesanthony5681]

Her best work remains as Sister Bertrille in *The Fying Nun* .

[@fallit63]

I'm so glad Sally never gave up and kept fighting for this role!!! She did a phenominal job!!!!

[@angelacarleton9575]

I believe Sally got a nomination for playing Mrs. Lincoln - good for Sally!

[@rhodamackenzie1105]

Wow. Sally is so incredible. Love the LACK of plastic surgery. She's so intense - so real. One of my favs. as a person, and actor.

[@jesusisking3974]

You mean Actress.

[@crackerhime]

She’s had surgery, just European plastic surgery. European surgeons generally try to turn the clock back 10-15 years, unlike Californian surgeons who try to revert everyone back to their mid-twenties. I’m not judging, she’s an actress and surgery is a personal choice that makes sense for her career, but don’t be fooled. Not all plastic surgery looks uncanny.

[@eliza1826]

@@crackerhime this, people are so stupid lol

[@imalwaysright]

@@jesusisking3974 she means actor

[@dansionov4617]

Sally Field is an acting powerhouse.

[@sallybrown4947]

What do you mean like Smokie and the bandit?! Hungry? Flying Nun?

[@jamesanthony5681]

Absolutely! Whenever she's on screen, I can really see the good acting.

[@MeAndTheBoys_]

Sally Field, a top of the heap in her profession.🤝

[@demetraingram7521]

Sally Field is such a talented actress that I believe her characterization of whatever role she is playing.

[@jld2554]

What a gracious lady and lovely story. So moving.

[@ojacobsen3727]

Such a master. The honesty of this story and how she tells it. A real actor.

[@Aurabora54321]

Sally has had no breech of confidence over 40 years with us, her public. She has always presented with kindness, humility and dignity in the varied roles she has embodied, from Flying Nun to Mary Todd Lincoln.

[@SD-de4do]

without knowing the context, this was exceptionally written

[@Pdjohnners]

What a gracious lady. And what a great actress.

[@54jeanmarie]

She was an absolutely perfect Mary Todd Lincoln. Brilliant pairing of actors.

[@danajohnson3741]

She should have won the Oscar, not Anne Hathaway.😢

[@fob1xxl]

She is such a fine, sensitive actress. She's always been so truthful in her roles, from Gidget to Mary ! I really do like her ! 💙

[@murraywestenskow2896]

It takes a really long time - to be loved by so many. Sally Fields is one of a handful of people that American's regards as a beloved icon of culture.

[@jamesanthony5681]

*Field

[@pennyblea2705]

Sally is great and she is one of my favorite actresses. .

[@PeBoVision]

Whether one remembers her as Gidget, or Sister Bertrille, or Mary Anne Todd, or Aunt May, or the woman who told Forest that life is like a box of chocolates, it is Sally Fields herself that we love. Like Keanu Reeves, she presents as a honest and sincere person, unaffected by the Hollywood ego machine. I am so lucky that my life took place while we could share the planet. It meant that I could remember and share all of her celluloid incarnations.

[@jamesanthony5681]

*Field

[@PeBoVision]

@@jamesanthony5681 I stand corrected, and you stand overly anal.

[@patriciaburke2401]

So beautiful inside and out! Love her!👏🏻👏🏻❤️💕👏🏻👏🏻

[@topsypart2880]

Sally's a national treasure

[@jedijones]

It's interesting that after all her success, getting this part was still so important to her that she was in absolute emotional turmoil over it.

[@VtRD]

She can hold her own opposite Daniel Day Lewis in the film Lincoln. Best portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln on screen.

[@kkroeger5868]

I could listen to insider stuff like this for hours.

[@marcellobomfim5629]

Sally is so great! I am glad she didn’t quit the “Lincoln” project. She did great!

[@all1soul]

I've has a crush on Sally Field ever since I first set eyes upon her. She's just the best! Great hearing this story! Thank you, Sally!. God bless you in all you do and are. 💞🙏😀

[@morgaffi]

Sally has been such a absolute doll for so long, and I mean that with the highest respect and admiration. She's just lovely and bright and humble and witty and engaging and plain-spoken.....she just pulls you into her when she speaks. Sure, all of this can just be more acting and I have no idea how she is in her private life, but I doubt it. She's been consistently this way for decades.

[@dougjoyner7673]

My sister could be her body double. She was in Conyers ga at the Smokey and BANDIT run and ppl were asking her for autograph.

[@FrankBugZappa]

Been this way for decades.. have you seen The Prestige

[@bensimpson9175]

Late to this, but I watched Places In The Heart last night for the first time. I was 8 in 1984. I like your comment...we can all try to listen to our intuition about people more. She has seemed consistent...we can get a feel for people and trust it.

[@eddiereedbigband1]

Like millions of other boys Sally captured my heart when I was around eight years old. That happened over a half a century ago and I've never taken my eyes off her. Sally Field consistently embodies what is great about the women of our generation, and is an inspiration not only to young actresses, but to all of us. Thank you Sally !

[@kiml6692]

One of my favorites she’s wonderful! Loved everything I ever saw her in!

[@carlosacolonsegarra9315]

Nice that she was invited was asked she spoke never interrupted, the reporter knows she is in front of an actress who is royalty ; you ask to know to learn how they do it , who they are, how they got there, then you are polite enough to let them talk and they bring it theres no other way around kudos to the reporter.

[@psychokarloff]

The "interviewer" is Annette Insdorf, Columbia professor of film, author of at least 10 legendary books on film, and a great friend and champion of Francois Truffaut, through most of his career. I'm betting the reason Sally agreed to the interview is BECAUSE WHO would be interviewing her. Immensely respected in the film community throughout the world.

[@Davewontbehave1964]

Love her, so much. Real, honest and beautiful.

[@Thursdayization]

i so admire this superb actor. She really knows how to capture her art...

[@bySterling]

What an absolutely positively shining true Wonder Woman for so many decades! 🙌🏻💥💪🏻🎥📺❤️👏🏻

[@donalddonney1595]

Amazing to encounter so many folk on first name terms with Ms Field.

[@ob1cannobody]

I just started watching and kept watching, that's Sally for ya.

[@carvermathis5444]

She's so gracious! I love her!

[@oliviahardin1790]

I didn't want to see another Lincoln movie, even with it's high praise, but now I must. I love Sally.

[@morskojvolk]

Wow. That was the sweetest story.

[@juliaduncan1438]

OMG....I LOVED MS. FIELDS AS MARY TODD LINCOLN. NOT ENOUGH CAN EVER BE SAID OF MARYOR FOR MARY. THANK YOU MR. SPIELBURG. EVERYONE NEEDS TO EXPERIENCE THIS PIECE OF HISTORY, THE SHOWING OF TRUELY HONEST TELLING OF AN AMERICAN FAMILY.

[@mplsmndude3255]

💖 her. always the epitome of class.

[@38NDY]

I love how she explains how things work.

[@vikkibyington3066]

Sally Field cannot do a bad performance!! She is tops!!

[@jamesanthony5681]

Oh yes she can. Check out Beyond the Poseidon Adventure. She ain't proud of that performance. Or the Smokey movies.

[@vikkibyington3066]

@@jamesanthony5681 I guess you are right…I have never seen either of those. Saw Smokey in parts but never in its entirety.

[@alexkije]

Really great interviewer. Let's Sally talk. And it is a really good intv.

[@celeriacmarcus]

She lets.

[@thelaurels13]

Sally Field is an icon. I’ve loved her since I first saw her in Steel Magnolias in 1989. I was eleven then and thought wow she’s a phenomenal actress. 👏

[@angelacarleton9575]

I love Sally Fields since the beginning.. she is a genuine person - no false persona at all.

[@natalieps2387]

Sally somehow never really ages. She still has that adorable girlish look. I read her book it was brutal. Kudos to the interviewer for not interrupting. So many hosts interrupt their guests & ur left wondering why did they bother having this person on.

[@user-nq9gz4xf7f]

An incredible actress and person, so gifted and so humble and always reaching out

[@Readiculous21]

Having read a couple Lincoln biographies, I immediately thought she was perfectly cast. She was awesome.

[@danleonard547]

Ms. Field is a breath of fresh air. She seems to be not full of herself or entitled just because she is a great actress. She comes across as a person who worked very hard to craft her skills and appreciated her opportunities given her. She is a bright flawless gem in the entertainment industry, who has entertained me all my life. Thank you, Sally

[@Rasscasse]

I think you wrote that beautifully Dan. Firmly agree with your sentiments.

[@nemo227]

Great story. I'm more impressed now than before (and I've always liked Sally).

[@themamaalice]

Love her and her pure heart!

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

Amazing person and talent!!!!!!!

[@catmother4214]

Such a nice, intelligent, honest, and humble woman. One of my favorite actors starting back and including the amazing actors from the 1940's forward. ❤️❤️❤️

[@georgeparker8198]

Sally Field is an amazing actor. Love that she talked Spielberg of the ledge with her.

[@jamesanthony5681]

Huh? Spielberg was on a ledge?

[@sharonsheehy3128]

Beautiful natural lady , and actress, cool interview ..

[@jeweliedee4299]

She is still lovely in her later years, without surgery.

[@jrbaskind]

I love this story!

[@richatkinson1]

WOW! "Will you be our Molly?" What a moment! 💗

[@SUNMAYDEN518]

one of my favorite actresses

[@fw1421]

So much respect for Sally,been a fan since her earliest time in Hollywood…..I was a young kid,I’m 69 now. She’s such a wonderful actress.

[@janelmarie321]

Sally Field is a national treasure.

[@damemarthafalker6738]

I was too young at the time to fully appreciate 'Norma Rae' but I certainly cannot mentally separate Sally Field from the gravesite scene in 'Steel Magnolias' or 'Places in the Heart.'

[@smallfootprint2961]

Martha Falker... Sybil... OMG!

[@MsTessG]

The cemetary scene in Steel Magnolias is some of the best acting I've ever seen. She's extraordinary.

[@robingagan6288]

I thought the end of places in the heart was one of the best scenes ever

[@marlenebourgeois266]

@@robingagan6288 one of the most touching movies I've ever seen, Places in the Heart. Extraordinary characters and acting.

[@robingagan6288]

@@marlenebourgeois266 yes I agree. And I've never seen an ending like that

[@rememberyj]

Steven and Daniel...generous men.

[@stephenalbertson8920]

One of the top tiers of actresses...Sally Field.

[@16toulousse]

Love love …Love Sally!

[@rubengheraw1]

She have an good aura, good astrale soul. So pure and polite and humble. I know her since the flying non, seen doubtfire etc

[@eileenmacdougall8945]

Salary Fields just can't be fake. Amazing woman.

[@pjcarpenter4678]

I know who Sally Feild is, but who is "Salary Fields"??? If it is Sally that you like, perhaps you should know her name.

[@maxieduardoapariciom.3181]

@@pjcarpenter4678 You mean Sally Field.

[@pland3845]

Eileen, I feel your pain! Autocorrect sucks and everyone with snarky comments needs to chill.

[@melissamanda786]

While visiting Mary Lincoln's childhood home in Lexington (the only First Lady's home maintained as a national historic site) , the docent explained that Sally Field spent some days there--just hanging out in her childhood bedroom, while other visitors filed through... unknowingly. Lovely.

[@nonenoneonenonenone]

It is great that the 92Y hosts so many great talks, but it was even better when it hosted a top-notch chamber orchestra and many great classical concerts, and recitals, as well. Bring them back.

[@sureyoudhaveta]

Her voice is ageless too!! 😍😍😍

[@caroles5502]

I love Sally Field.

[@hokieduck]

Sally Field is an extremely talented actor who overcomes her social anxieties (the root of her chronic self-effacing comments) through acting. She is never more at ease with herself than when she is embodying another person. I love her. She is fine wine. The beauty of oldth.

[@jahimjauh-hey5653]

I like when she calls him Daniel because it reminds me of Mrs. Doubtfire.

[@EphemeralProductions]

This just goes to show. Even famous actors/actresses get turned down for roles and rejected (even though in this case it didn't stick!) All actors should remember that and hopefully feel a little more consoled. :)

[@nonenoneonenonenone]

It's amazing what they will go through to get a role, flying across the world for a day or two...

[@Philinspaces]

It's so ironic that the former flying nun would speak about feeling the wind lift her off the ground! So cute.

[@jesusnameaboveallnames7369]

07/13/2020 Seems like such a sweet lady. 💓 Extremely talented actress. She was amazing in Sybil & in Places Of The Heart. Thanks 😉 to the interviewer for allowing Ms. Field to share her wonderful story without needless interruptions. Also, I've never seen the Abe Lincoln movie, will havta get it from the Library.👊

[@carmeldelaney1086]

wonderful to listen to!

[@stevemadak6255]

In all the times I watched Lincoln , never did I once google the ages of lincoln and mary. Nor did I ever look for the ages of Daniel and Sally. She's so gorgeous. Its hard to watch her and not wander off in my mind and imagine a conversation with her.

[@stevemadak6255]

Also, I've heard a couple stories of people saying she had a mouth like a sailor. Would be fuckin great to hang with her. I'm a construction worker raised by a long line of sailors. Hit me up Sally

[@terrigrice6017]

Sally is wonderful actress!💜

[@sr633]

Sally Field is super !

[@tadrogers3251]

She is a neat person, great mom in Brothers and Sisters, I still binge watch all seasons til this day!,😍😘😇💌💌

[@pacard33]

Absence of Malice. Best. Film. Ever. Field--Newman--Brilliant.

[@waynej2608]

Great film. Yes, Newman and Field were awesome (when are they not ), but Melinda Dillon was the show stealer, in the film. Imho.

[@meo21626]

Such a great movie!

[@jeffdawson2786]

Sally is so honest all the time.

[@captainjay1034]

I have loved sally since the "flying nun"

[@itstheburnz]

Great story on casting her in Lincoln.. funny business, movies...and decisions that can he altered...for the better.

[@michaelstapleton2768]

She’s incredible and so modest. Love her

[@Martinbeef]

She’s such an incredible actress. May she live forever.

[@miketauer4538]

Wow...wow.....love Sally in everything she’s done!

[@Jeffrey-wo5sx]

Definitely has grown older and wiser with grace. Great story and yes so rare that an interviewer doesn’t interrupt. Makes her story so much more poignant.

[@mellisapollom2241]

You were the only actress who could play Mary Todd Lincoln. I am still very bitter you didn't win the Oscar.

[@chrisparnell2806]

I actually think they were wrong for putting her through this, those of us who have watched Sally Field just know she would be great and that they were lucky to have her.