Sally Field’s Son Claims ‘Steel Magnolias’ Set Sparked His Gay Awakening

“Steel Magnolias” isn’t just a classic film; for Sam Greisman, it’s a pivotal moment in his life that he believes shaped his identity. The youngest son of Sally Field, Greisman quipped that his time on set might be the reason he’s gay.

Field, now 79, reminisced about the magic of filming the 1989 hit, describing it as a “wonderful, wonderful experience.” She fondly recalled the camaraderie among the powerhouse cast, which included legends like Julia Roberts, Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton, Daryl Hannah, and Olympia Dukakis.

“We loved each other, all of us, we just completely adored each other,” she said, painting a picture of a tight-knit group that often spent weekends shopping and playing games together. “Even Dolly sometimes joined us at the market!”

In her office hangs a cherished photo from the wrap party, featuring herself with Parton, MacLaine, and Roberts. “There was a big band, so it’s all of our tight headshots, and on my chest is my little son Sam,” she explained, referring to her now 38-year-old son. “He was just six months old, and I was holding his head to protect his ears from the noise.”

Field chuckled as she added, “Sam has always said that’s probably why he’s gay.”

The “Mrs. Doubtfire” star has been single since her 1994 divorce from Alan Greisman and is also the mother of two other sons, Peter and Eli, from her first marriage to Steven Craig. All three of her sons have ventured into Hollywood, with Sam carving out a niche as a writer and producer.

In a heartfelt 2023 essay for People, Sam embraced his identity as a “momma’s boy,” reflecting on their close bond. “Maybe it’s because I’m the youngest by sixteen years. Maybe it’s because I was a shy little kid and my mom was a safe space; a hip I was attached to,” he mused.

He humorously noted, “Maybe it’s because gay men feel a certain undeniable affection for award-winning actresses. Who knows! Whatever it is, we have always been incredibly close.”

Sam elaborated on how intertwined his life has been with his mother’s career. “While she shot ‘Mrs. Doubtfire,’ I built model airplanes and hung them all over our rented house in San Francisco. During ‘Forrest Gump,’ I got to buy something at the toy store in Beaufort, S.C.,” he wrote.

He even joked about how a candid conversation about his queerness made it into a scene between Field and Matthew Rhys on “Brothers & Sisters.” “Still waiting on a retroactive writing credit on that,” he quipped.

Field has always celebrated her role as a mother. During a 2012 speech at the Human Rights Campaign annual dinner, she proudly stated, “The three things I am most proud of in my life are Peter, Eli, and Sam — my sons. They are kind and loving, productive human beings.”

Addressing Sam specifically, she remarked, “Sam was given colors and innate perceptions that his big brothers just simply don’t have. He’s a gentler nature, and it is a gift. Nature made Sam; it wasn’t a choice. He was always, always Sam — glorious, smart, funny, sweet Sam.”