Steel Magnolias is widely regarded as one of the most beloved films of the 1980s, a heartfelt Southern drama that has resonated with audiences for decades. With its iconic performances by a powerhouse cast—Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts, and others—it’s no surprise the film remains a classic. However, while the film’s script was heartwarming and the performances unforgettable, the journey to creating it wasn’t without its challenges.
Recently, Sally Field opened up about her time on the Steel Magnolias set, revealing some behind-the-scenes struggles, particularly with how the film’s director, Herbert Ross, treated Julia Roberts. According to Field, the director’s harsh treatment of Roberts was “awful” and made the young actress’s experience a difficult one. Let’s dive into what Sally Field had to say and explore what went on behind the camera.
The Director’s Tough Treatment of Julia Roberts
In a recent interview, Sally Field, who played M’Lynn in Steel Magnolias, spoke candidly about her memories from the set, including her observations about how Julia Roberts was treated by the director. Julia, who portrayed the heart-wrenching role of Shelby, was relatively new to the industry at the time. Despite her immense talent, she faced a challenging time working with Ross, as Field recalls.
“The director was very hard on Julia,” Field shared. “It was awful. Julia was a young actress, and Herbert Ross just put a lot of pressure on her. I could see it, and it broke my heart.” Field elaborated that while Roberts handled the pressure with grace, it was incredibly difficult to watch her being treated so harshly.
For those who have seen Steel Magnolias, it’s easy to understand why Field’s words carry such weight. Julia’s performance as Shelby, especially in the emotional hospital scene, was pivotal in making the film what it is. But behind the scenes, Roberts was under an immense amount of stress.
The Challenges Julia Roberts Faced
Julia Roberts was a rising star at the time of Steel Magnolias, but she was still early in her career. Her portrayal of Shelby, a young woman battling diabetes, showcased her vulnerability and incredible talent, which ultimately earned her an Oscar nomination. However, the path to those accolades was anything but easy.
According to Sally Field, Julia faced difficulties due to Ross’s treatment. The director’s harshness reportedly stemmed from his desire for perfection and his high expectations, particularly for a young actress like Roberts. Field, who had already established herself as a seasoned actress, found herself in a position where she had to support and protect her co-star.
“Watching Julia go through that was painful,” Field said. “But she is a trooper, and she handled it. She always kept her professionalism, but it was clear that it wasn’t easy for her.”
Julia’s ability to keep pushing forward in the face of adversity speaks to her resilience. Even in the face of such tough conditions, she gave one of the most iconic performances of her career.
Herbert Ross’s Demanding Directorial Style
Herbert Ross, known for his work on other films like The Turning Point and Footloose, had a reputation for being a demanding director. His approach to filmmaking was often intense, and his expectation for perfection was high, especially when working with actors. While this style might work for some, it wasn’t always the best fit for everyone, particularly for someone as young and new to the industry as Julia Roberts.
Ross’s treatment of Roberts was often described as harsh. “He could be very tough,” Field recalled. “I think he wanted Julia to give a certain kind of performance, and sometimes he didn’t know how to get it out of her without being so direct or even harsh.”
This tough love approach led to tension on set, with some actors, including Field, feeling compelled to step in and shield Roberts from the brunt of Ross’s criticism. Despite the pressure, Julia managed to navigate the challenges and deliver a stunning performance.
The Support of the Cast
While Ross’s behavior was difficult for Roberts, it was clear that Sally Field and the rest of the cast rallied around her to provide support during this tough time. Field, who had already been a well-established actress by the time of Steel Magnolias, took on the role of a mentor and protector for Julia.
“I remember trying to make sure Julia knew we were there for her,” Field said. “We all saw how hard she was working, and we wanted her to know that she was supported and appreciated.”
Dolly Parton, too, was a calming and reassuring presence on set, offering kindness and support to Roberts whenever needed. The supportive atmosphere provided by the cast played a big role in helping Julia stay focused and maintain her composure despite the director’s tough treatment.
Julia Roberts’ Resilience Shines Through
Despite the difficulties she faced on set, Julia Roberts’s resilience and professionalism were evident throughout the filming of Steel Magnolias. Her performance, especially in the emotionally charged scenes involving her character’s battle with illness, earned her critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination.
In many ways, Roberts’ ability to persevere in the face of such harsh treatment from the director only strengthened her as an actress. The experience helped shape her into the star she would become, and over the years, Julia would go on to deliver numerous memorable performances that earned her accolades and made her one of the most celebrated actresses in Hollywood.
Looking back, it’s clear that the challenges she faced during Steel Magnolias helped her grow as an actress. In fact, many would argue that her struggles with Ross ultimately contributed to the depth and emotional authenticity of her portrayal of Shelby.
Sally Field’s Protective Nature and Reflections on the Set
Sally Field’s reflections on the Steel Magnolias set are heartfelt and poignant. As someone who had already built a successful career in film, she had the perspective to understand both the challenges of acting and the importance of creating a supportive set environment.
Looking back, Field is proud of the way the cast came together to protect one another. “The bond we had as a cast was real, and we supported each other through the good times and the bad,” she said. “Julia had a tough time, but she was never alone. We were all there for her.”
This sense of camaraderie and care helped create the magic of Steel Magnolias, turning a film about loss and friendship into a timeless classic that resonates with audiences to this day.
The Legacy of Steel Magnolias and Julia Roberts’ Iconic Role
Despite the behind-the-scenes struggles, Steel Magnolias remains one of Julia Roberts’ most iconic roles. Her portrayal of Shelby, a woman who faces unimaginable challenges with strength, grace, and vulnerability, became an integral part of what made the film so special.
Julia’s performance not only earned her an Oscar nomination but also solidified her as one of Hollywood’s most talented and beloved actresses. While the road to that recognition was tough, it was ultimately her dedication, resilience, and the support of her co-stars that helped her navigate the challenges of the film.
Conclusion: The Resilience of Julia Roberts and the Power of Steel Magnolias
Sally Field’s candid comments about Steel Magnolias director Herbert Ross’s tough treatment of Julia Roberts shine a light on the challenges that many actors face behind the scenes. While the director’s harsh methods created tension, they also highlighted the incredible resilience of Julia Roberts, who went on to become one of Hollywood’s most respected and admired actresses.
Steel Magnolias continues to be a beloved classic, and Roberts’ portrayal of Shelby is an integral part of its success. Her ability to overcome the hardships she faced on set and deliver an unforgettable performance remains a testament to her strength and talent.
FAQs
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What did Sally Field say about Julia Roberts’ treatment on the Steel Magnolias set? Sally Field revealed that the director, Herbert Ross, was very hard on Julia Roberts, and it was an “awful” experience for the young actress. Field recalled the difficulty of watching Roberts go through it.
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Why was the director so tough on Julia Roberts during filming? Director Herbert Ross had high expectations for perfection and could be demanding on set. His tough approach to directing was especially challenging for Julia Roberts, who was still early in her career at the time.
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How did Sally Field support Julia Roberts on set? Sally Field acted as a mentor and protector for Roberts, ensuring she knew she was supported by the cast. Field spoke out about the importance of protecting each other and creating a supportive environment on set.
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Did Julia Roberts’ performance in Steel Magnolias suffer due to the tough treatment from the director? No, Julia Roberts delivered a powerful and emotionally charged performance as Shelby. Despite the challenges on set, her resilience allowed her to give one of her most iconic performances.
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What impact did Steel Magnolias have on Julia Roberts’ career? Steel Magnolias was a pivotal film in Julia Roberts’ career. Her portrayal of Shelby earned her an Oscar nomination and solidified her place as one of Hollywood’s most talented actresses.
