The marriage between Academy Award-winning actress Sally Field and film producer Alan Greisman lasted for ten years, beginning with their wedding on December 15, 1984, and concluding with their divorce in 1994. The couple shared one son, Samuel Greisman, and maintained a professional and personal connection throughout the height of Field’s mid-career success.
The Foundations of the Relationship (1983–1984)
The relationship between Sally Field and Alan Greisman began during a transformative period in Field’s life. By the early 1980s, Field had already established herself as a powerhouse in Hollywood, having won her first Best Actress Oscar for Norma Rae (1979). However, her personal life had been a subject of intense tabloid scrutiny, particularly her high-profile, tumultuous relationship with actor Burt Reynolds.
Alan Greisman entered the picture as a respected film producer with a reputation for a more low-key, professional demeanor. Unlike the explosive public nature of Field’s previous romances, her courtship with Greisman was characterized by a sense of stability and mutual respect for the craft of filmmaking. Greisman, who would go on to produce hits like The Bucket List and Soapdish, provided a grounded presence that Field later noted was a welcome change during a decade where her career was reaching new heights of prestige.
The couple’s shared interests in the mechanics of the film industry—Field as the talent and Greisman as the facilitator—created a strong initial bond. They were often seen at industry events during 1984, a year that would become a landmark for Field both professionally and personally.
The 1984 Wedding and Early Married Life
On December 15, 1984, Sally Field and Alan Greisman were married in a private ceremony. This was Field’s second marriage; she had previously been married to her high school sweetheart, Steven Craig, from 1968 to 1975, with whom she had two sons, Peter and Eli.
The timing of the marriage was significant. Just months after the wedding, in March 1985, Field won her second Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Places in the Heart. This was the occasion of her famous—and often misquoted—acceptance speech: "I can't deny the fact that you like me, right now, you like me!" Greisman was by her side during this pinnacle of her career, offering a support system as she transitioned from a "TV actress" (the stigma she fought since Gidget and The Flying Nun) to an undisputed cinematic icon.
During the first few years of their marriage, the couple focused on blending their families. Field’s older sons were teenagers at the time, and Greisman stepped into the role of stepfather while the couple began planning for a child of their own.
The Birth of Samuel Greisman (1987)
The most significant milestone of the marriage occurred on December 2, 1987, with the birth of their son, Samuel H. Morlan Greisman. Sam was Field’s third child and Greisman’s first. The birth brought a renewed focus on domestic life for the couple.
As Sam grew, Field and Greisman became known for their commitment to a relatively private family life in Los Angeles. Despite their status as a "power couple" in the industry, they avoided the more hedonistic aspects of 1980s Hollywood culture. In recent years, looking back from the vantage point of 2026, Sam Greisman has become a public figure in his own right, known for his writing and his close relationship with his mother, often sharing humorous and touching insights into their family dynamic. The foundation for this close-knit bond was laid during the early years of the Field-Greisman marriage.
Professional Collaboration: Soapdish (1991)
One of the unique aspects of the Alan Greisman and Sally Field marriage was their ability to work together professionally. The most prominent example of this collaboration was the 1991 cult classic film Soapdish.
Greisman served as a producer on the project, while Field starred as Celeste Talbert, the aging "Queen of the Soaps." The film was a satirical look at the behind-the-scenes drama of a daytime soap opera. Working together on Soapdish allowed the public a glimpse into their professional synergy. The film was both a critical and commercial success, praised for its sharp writing and Field’s comedic timing.
However, the pressures of working together in an industry as volatile as Hollywood can often strain a marriage. While there was no public indication of trouble at the time, the early 1990s marked a shift in the couple's trajectory. As Field moved into more mature roles and Greisman expanded his production portfolio, the time spent apart due to filming schedules began to take a toll.
The Separation and Divorce Timeline (1993–1994)
The decline of the marriage was handled with the same privacy that characterized its beginning. There were no public scandals, third-party involvements, or legal battles played out in the press.
1. The Separation (1993)
By late 1993, reports began to circulate in Hollywood circles that Field and Greisman had separated. They had been married for nearly nine years at this point. The separation was described as amicable, with both parties prioritizing the well-being of their young son, Sam, who was six years old at the time.
2. The Filing and Finalization (1994)
The divorce was finalized in 1994. The legal proceedings cited "irreconcilable differences" as the grounds for the dissolution of the marriage. Because they had managed their finances and assets with professional oversight, the division of property and the arrangements for child support were settled quickly and quietly.
3. Key Details of the Settlement
While specific financial figures were not disclosed to the public, it was understood that Field and Greisman agreed upon joint legal custody of Samuel. Field remained in the family home, and Greisman continued his production career, maintaining a residence nearby to ensure he remained an active presence in his son's life.
Summary of the Marriage and Divorce Timeline
The following table provides a chronological overview of the key dates and events associated with Alan Greisman and Sally Field's relationship.
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Initial Meeting | The couple began dating during Field's career resurgence. |
| 1984 | Marriage | Wedding held on December 15, 1984. |
| 1985 | Second Oscar Win | Greisman supported Field during her "You like me" speech. |
| 1987 | Birth of Samuel | The couple welcomed their only child together in December. |
| 1989 | Steel Magnolias | Field starred in the classic; Greisman supported her during the press tour. |
| 1991 | Soapdish | A major professional collaboration between husband and wife. |
| 1993 | Separation | The couple officially ceased living together. |
| 1994 | Divorce | The marriage was legally dissolved after 10 years. |
Life After Divorce and Current Status in 2026
Since their divorce in 1994, both Sally Field and Alan Greisman have moved forward with productive lives while remaining connected through their son. Sally Field never remarried, choosing instead to focus on her acting career, her activism, and her role as a grandmother. In her 2018 memoir, In Pieces, Field spoke candidly about her past relationships, focusing heavily on her childhood and her time with Burt Reynolds, but she has consistently spoken of Greisman with respect.
Alan Greisman continued a successful career as a producer. His work on The Bucket List (2007) was a significant late-career highlight, demonstrating his continued influence in the industry. As of 2026, Greisman maintains a low public profile, though he is occasionally seen at industry events or in social media posts shared by his son, Samuel.
The hallmark of the post-divorce era for Field and Greisman has been their successful co-parenting. Samuel Greisman has frequently spoken about how both his parents supported him, particularly when he came out as gay. The unity they showed in supporting their son is often cited as a model for "conscious uncoupling" long before the term became popularized in Hollywood.
The Impact of the Marriage on Sally Field’s Legacy
For fans of Sally Field, the marriage to Alan Greisman represents a decade of "The Great Transition." It was during these years that she moved away from the "cute" roles of her youth and into the "matriarch" and "dramatic lead" roles that define her legacy today.
Being married to a producer allowed Field a different perspective on the industry, one that perhaps contributed to her longevity. While her relationship with Burt Reynolds was more "cinematic" and dramatic, her marriage to Greisman was arguably more foundational to the woman she became in her later years: a focused, disciplined artist and a devoted mother.
As we look back from 2026, the Field-Greisman years are viewed as a period of relative peace and professional productivity. The divorce, while the end of a romantic chapter, did not result in the bitterness that often plagues celebrity splits. Instead, it remains a dignified footnote in the biography of one of America’s most beloved actresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Sally Field and Alan Greisman get divorced?
The couple cited "irreconcilable differences" in their 1994 divorce filing. While they never provided a detailed public explanation, the natural pressures of two high-profile Hollywood careers and the evolution of their personal goals over a decade are generally considered the primary factors. The split was amicable and focused on the joint upbringing of their son.
Did Sally Field have children with Alan Greisman?
Yes, they have one son together, Samuel Greisman, born in 1987. Samuel is a writer and has become well-known for his humorous and supportive relationship with his mother, often accompanying her to awards shows and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights alongside her.
Is Sally Field still married to Alan Greisman?
No, the couple divorced in 1994 after ten years of marriage. As of 2026, Sally Field has not remarried. She has often stated in interviews that she values her independence and the deep connections she has with her children and grandchildren.
What movies did Alan Greisman and Sally Field work on together?
Their most notable collaboration was the 1991 film Soapdish, which Greisman produced and in which Field starred. They also navigated the industry as a pair during the production of several other projects Field was involved in during the late 80s and early 90s, though Soapdish is their primary credited collaboration.
How many times has Sally Field been married?
Sally Field has been married twice. Her first marriage was to Steven Craig (1968–1975), and her second was to Alan Greisman (1984–1994). She also had a famous long-term relationship with Burt Reynolds in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but they were never married.
Recommendation for Further Reading
For those interested in a deeper look at Sally Field’s personal reflections on her marriages and her career, her memoir "In Pieces" (published by Grand Central Publishing) offers an intimate look at her life. While it focuses heavily on her early years and her relationship with her mother, it provides essential context for the woman she was when she met Alan Greisman. Additionally, following the work of Samuel Greisman provides a modern-day look at the lasting positive impact of their co-parenting relationship.
