Home / Arts and Entertainment / Sally Field Recalls Devastating Steel Magnolias Funeral Scene
Sally Field Recalls Devastating Steel Magnolias Funeral Scene
2 May
Summary
- Sally Field found the funeral scene emotionally taxing for the cast.
- Field recalled Julia Roberts' audition, stating 'There she is.'
- The Steel Magnolias cast shared a strong, familial bond.
Sally Field, 79, recently shared poignant memories of filming the emotional funeral scene in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias. She described the experience as profoundly impactful, stating that such scenes "take a part of your soul" and cost each cast member dearly. Despite the emotional difficulty, Field emphasized the strong bond that developed among the actresses, who supported each other throughout the filming.
Field also recalled the casting process for the role of Shelby, ultimately played by Julia Roberts. She mentioned reading with many actors but knew Roberts was the one after their audition, remarking, "After I read with Julia, I said, 'We're done. We're done. There she is.'" The film, based on a 1987 play, celebrated friendship and resilience among Southern women.
The ensemble cast, which included Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton, Daryl Hannah, and Olympia Dukakis, shared a deep connection off-screen. Field described their time together as "once-in-a-lifetime," noting they "adored each other" and would spend weekends playing games. Steel Magnolias premiered on November 5, 1989, and garnered award nominations for MacLaine and Roberts.
