Sally Field is looking back fondly at her time filming Steel Magnolias, and one particular memory involving her youngest son has fans laughing online. In a recent interview, the Oscar-winning actress reflected on making the beloved 1989 film alongside an iconic cast that included Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, and Daryl Hannah. Field revealed that her son Samuel, who was just a baby during filming, spent a huge amount of time on set surrounded by the legendary actresses.
And according to Sally, Sam now jokingly blames that experience for shaping who he is today.
“Sam has always said that’s probably why he’s gay,” Field joked while recalling how the cast practically helped raise him during production.
The actress explained that Samuel was only six months old at the time, meaning he accompanied her to set constantly while filming the emotional Southern classic.
She even remembered holding him during the film’s wrap party while trying to protect his ears from the loud music.
Beyond the joke itself, Field’s memories painted a sweet picture of the bond shared by the Steel Magnolias cast behind the scenes.
According to her, the women became genuinely close throughout filming, spending weekends shopping together, playing games, and gathering at each other’s homes even when cameras were not rolling.
“We all just completely adored each other,” she shared.
Field has long been outspoken in supporting her son Samuel Greisman, who is openly gay and now works as a writer and producer.
Over the years, she has repeatedly spoken publicly about how proud she is of him and how important it is for parents to fully embrace and support their children.
Back in 2012 during a Human Rights Campaign speech, Field praised Samuel as “glorious, smart, funny, sweet Sam,” adding that being gay was simply part of who he naturally was.
“Nature made Sam,” she famously said at the time. “It wasn’t a choice.”
Samuel himself has also spoken warmly about growing up alongside his mother’s Hollywood career, previously sharing memories tied to films like Mrs. Doubtfire and Forrest Gump.
He even joked that one heartfelt conversation he had with his mom about his sexuality later ended up being used almost word-for-word in one of her acting scenes.While Steel Magnolias remains one of the most beloved ensemble dramas ever made, fans online are especially loving this latest behind-the-scenes story because it perfectly captures the warmth, humor, and family dynamic Sally Field has always been known for.