Introduction: The Truth Behind the Glamorous Set
While Steel Magnolias is remembered as a heartwarming tale of friendship, love, and loss among a group of Southern women, there’s an untold side to the making of the film that many may not know. In a recent interview, Sally Fieldopened up about the challenges faced by her co-star Julia Roberts during the filming of Steel Magnolias—specifically how the young actress was bullied on set during one of her most iconic roles.
At the time, Roberts was still relatively new to Hollywood, and while Steel Magnolias would launch her into superstardom, it also came with its own set of struggles. Sally Field, who played the strong and loving M’Lynn Eatenton, spoke candidly about the support she provided to Julia, who was dealing with hurtful and difficult treatment from some of her older co-stars.
In this article, we’ll delve into Sally Field’s reflections on this difficult experience, the challenges Julia Roberts faced, and how the cast’s sisterhood ultimately helped Roberts rise above the negativity.
1. Julia Roberts: A Rising Star Amidst Set Challenges
When Julia Roberts took on the role of Shelby Eatenton in Steel Magnolias, she was still in the early stages of her career. While she had already made a name for herself in some smaller films, Steel Magnolias would be the project that turned her into one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. The film, released in 1989, was a hit, and Roberts’ performance as the sweet and tragic Shelby garnered her critical acclaim.
A Star in the Making
Julia Roberts brought a youthful energy to the role of Shelby, a woman who defies doctors’ orders and marries the love of her life, only to face devastating health battles. Her performance captured the hearts of audiences, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role. However, Roberts wasn’t the seasoned actress that she is today. Back then, she was young, relatively inexperienced, and navigating the pressures of being in an ensemble cast filled with established stars, including Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, and Dolly Parton.
Despite the camaraderie of the film, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for Roberts. Field’s revelation of bullying on set sheds light on how difficult that time was for the young actress.
2. The Bullied Star: Sally Field Reflects on Julia’s Experience
Sally Field, a veteran actress with decades of experience, became a mentor to Julia Roberts during the filming of Steel Magnolias. In interviews over the years, Field has spoken about how much she wanted to protect her younger co-star. The actress recalled feeling a sense of duty to stand up for Roberts when she witnessed mean-spirited behavior from some of the other actresses on set.
An Unsettling Dynamic on Set
In her interviews, Field shared how some of the more established actresses on set were not kind to Roberts. While she didn’t go into the specifics of the bullying, Field made it clear that Roberts faced criticism and snide remarks from other cast members, possibly due to her inexperience or the attention she was receiving. Sally Field saw how these comments affected Julia, who, despite her incredible talent, was still a young woman trying to carve out her place in Hollywood.
Field’s motherly instincts kicked in, and she became a strong support system for Roberts during those tough moments. She revealed that she took it upon herself to shield Roberts from the more difficult situations and to help her navigate the challenging atmosphere that was, unfortunately, a reality on many sets during that time.
3. The Sisterhood That Helped Julia Roberts Endure
While Sally Field was the first to speak out about protecting Julia Roberts on the Steel Magnolias set, other cast members have since reflected on how they, too, were supportive of the young actress. Despite the challenges, the sense of sisterhood among the women of Steel Magnolias ultimately helped Julia weather the storm.
Shirley MacLaine and Dolly Parton’s Support
Although Field was often the voice of reason, both Shirley MacLaine and Dolly Parton were also vocal in their support for Roberts. MacLaine, known for her bold and often outspoken nature, made it clear that she was protective of the young actress. And Dolly Parton, who played the motherly beautician Truvy, was a constant source of encouragement and positivity.
In interviews, MacLaine has said that she always felt it was important to make sure that everyone on set, especially the newcomers, felt welcome and respected. However, even with the best intentions, it was clear that the Steel Magnolias set wasn’t always the most supportive environment for Julia Roberts in the beginning.
A Turning Point: Julia Roberts Rising Above
Despite the bullying and the challenges she faced, Julia Roberts eventually found her confidence. Field recalls how Roberts grew stronger throughout the filming, and once the movie wrapped, it was clear that she had not only survivedthe difficulties but had emerged stronger and more resilient.
The experience, though painful at times, became a stepping stone to Roberts’ eventual success. As she went on to star in films like Pretty Woman, My Best Friend’s Wedding, and Runaway Bride, it was clear that she had grown into a force to be reckoned with—both as an actress and as a person.
4. The Power of Protecting One Another: A Lesson in Sisterhood
One of the central themes of Steel Magnolias is the power of sisterhood—how women come together, support each other, and uplift one another through life’s most difficult moments. Sally Field’s efforts to protect Julia Roberts on set are a real-life reflection of the sisterhood portrayed in the film.
While the women of Steel Magnolias supported each other through grief, loss, and hardship on-screen, it was during the filming process that Roberts learned an important lesson about real sisterhood. Field, MacLaine, and Parton were there for Roberts, not just as co-stars but as women who understood what it meant to stand by one another in the face of adversity.
5. Julia Roberts’ Career: Rising Above the Bullying
In the years following the making of Steel Magnolias, Julia Roberts went on to become one of Hollywood’s brightest stars. Her career skyrocketed after Pretty Woman in 1990, and by the mid-1990s, she was one of the highest-paid actresses in the industry. Roberts’ personal struggles with the bullying on the Steel Magnolias set seemed to fuel her rise, rather than hinder it.
Through the support of Sally Field and the other women on set, Roberts learned how to navigate the often-challenging dynamics of Hollywood. Her ability to rise above the negativity speaks to her strength and resilience—a quality that we see in her iconic characters as well.
6. Reflections on the Past: Sally Field and Julia Roberts Today
Years later, Sally Field and Julia Roberts share a close friendship, built on mutual respect and admiration. Field, now an icon in her own right, often speaks lovingly about Roberts, referring to her as a “real sister” in interviews. The two actresses have remained in touch, and their bond continues to flourish, reminding us that the protective sisterhood they forged on the Steel Magnolias set has lasted far beyond the film.
Conclusion: A Sisterhood That Endures
Sally Field’s recent comments about the bullying Julia Roberts faced on the set of Steel Magnolias shed light on a side of Hollywood that many may not be familiar with. But even in the face of adversity, Roberts found strength through the love and support of her co-stars, particularly Field. The journey of Steel Magnolias is a testament to the power of sisterhood, not just on-screen, but off-screen as well.
What Julia Roberts faced on that set was not just about overcoming the challenges of being a young actress in Hollywood—it was about the empowerment she gained through the unwavering support of the women around her. The strength of sisterhood, both real and fictional, proves that we don’t have to go through life’s struggles alone.
FAQs
1. Why was Julia Roberts bullied on the Steel Magnolias set?
Julia Roberts was still a newcomer to Hollywood, and some of her older, more established co-stars on Steel Magnoliastreated her unkindly. The reasons behind the bullying are unclear, but it’s possible that her rising star status and relative inexperience led to jealousy or resentment.
