‘Steel Magnolias’ made Sally Field's son gay

Hollywood star Sally Field has revealed her son jokingly credits her 1989 film Steel Magnolias with influencing his sexuality.

The Oscar-winning actress said her youngest child, writer and producerSamuel Greisman , has often quipped that spending time on the set as a baby is “probably why he’s gay”.

Field, 79, was reflecting on her experience making the much-loved film in a recent interview, describing it as a “wonderful, wonderful experience”.

She recalled frequently bringing Samuel, who was just six months old at the time, to set, where he was cared for by the film’s all-female ensemble cast, including Shirley MacLaine , Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts.

“He was on the set all the time and my friends took care of him,” Field said, adding: “Sam has always said that that’s probably why he’s gay,” a remark she made in jest.

Sally Field

The actress said she retains fond memories of the film’s close-knit cast, with the group often socialising together away from filming.

Greisman, now in his 30s, has previously spoken about his close relationship with his mother and growing up around film sets, even noting that a conversation about his sexuality later informed one of her on-screen scenes.

Field, who has long been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, has three sons and has frequently expressed pride in all of them, including Samuel.

Steel Magnolias , widely regarded as a classic, followed a group of women navigating friendship and loss, and remains one of Field’s most celebrated roles.