At 78, Sally Field isn’t just known for her unforgettable roles in Forrest Gump, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Steel Magnolias—she’s also admired for her honesty, strength, and refusal to bow to Hollywood’s beauty pressures.

Field first captured America’s heart in the 1960s with Gidget, then proved her dramatic chops with Sybil and Norma Rae, the latter earning her an Academy Award. In her memoir, she opened up about deeply personal struggles, including abuse from her stepfather, and the early support she received from fellow actors that helped shape her resilience.

When it comes to aging, Field has chosen to embrace the natural process. In a 2016 Good Housekeeping interview, she admitted, “I see myself on TV and say, ‘Oh, I wish that weren’t happening to my neck,’” but made it clear she’d rather age gracefully than resort to plastic surgery.

Over the years, she’s dealt with harsh online criticism about her appearance, but she’s never let it shake her confidence. Diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2005—a condition she was at high risk for despite a healthy lifestyle—Field has used her platform to raise awareness and empower other women to take charge of their health.

Through it all, Sally Field remains a role model. Her honesty about aging, her strength in the face of judgment, and her ability to stay grounded offer inspiration to women of all ages navigating similar journeys.