In a recent interview with Vulture, legendary actress Sally Field shed light on her maternal role towards Julia Roberts during the filming of the beloved movie, Steel Magnolias. Field, now 77 years old, revealed that their director, the late Herb Ross, would often 'pick on' Roberts, and the rest of the cast would come to her aid.
Field explained that Ross showed a stark contrast in his treatment of the actresses. While he gave her the freedom to explore her character, he was 'very, very, very hard on Julia.' Field mentioned that Roberts has spoken about this before and confirmed that they all rallied around her because she was the newcomer and the youngest among them. They believed in Roberts' talent and found Ross's behavior towards her to be awful.
When asked why Ross treated Roberts poorly, Field candidly replied, 'He could be a real son of a b---h.' She elaborated that some people simply have a need to pick on others and assert their dominance. However, the cast members would not stand for this mistreatment and would come to Roberts' aid. Field recalled how Dolly Parton even turned on Ross, using humor to show him that his behavior was unjustifiable.
Interestingly, Field mentioned that Ross's treatment of her was different because he knew he couldn't get away with the same treatment. She stated that while she welcomes constructive feedback, she would not tolerate meanness. Field made it clear that she was not one to be taken lightly, asserting that she may be small but can hold her ground against any mistreatment.
Recently, Roberts herself revealed on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen that she had landed the role in Steel Magnolias after Meg Ryan passed on it. Ryan had been filming When Harry Met Sally at the time. The role of Shelby, the ill-fated daughter of Field's character M'Lynn, ultimately went to Roberts, propelling her into stardom.
Steel Magnolias, based on the 1987 play of the same name, beautifully explores the relationships and sisterhood of a group of women in a small Southern community. Alongside Sally Field and Julia Roberts, the film stars Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton, Daryl Hannah, and the late Olympia Dukakis.
Looking back on the film's 30th anniversary in 2019, MacLaine expressed her belief that Roberts would become a star from the moment she met her. Despite Steel Magnolias receiving only one Oscar nomination — a Best Supporting Actress nod for Roberts herself — the film remains a beloved classic. Roberts went on to win the Best Actress Oscar for her role in Erin Brockovich in 2001, solidifying her status as a true Hollywood powerhouse.
The story behind the scenes of Steel Magnolias demonstrates the importance of support, solidarity, and calling out mistreatment, even in the glamorous world of Hollywood. It further highlights the incredible talent and resilience of actresses like Sally Field and Julia Roberts, who have left an indelible mark on the film industry.
