Sally Field famously played Norma Rae in the 1979 film, and apparently still carries that feisty, fighting spirit when it comes to taking care of her coworkers. According to the Enquirer, she shut down the set of “Brothers & Sisters” when one of the crew members came down with swine flu. That’s right, she didn’t talk to the producers or ask anyone’s permission – she just took charge.
Sally Field turned into a real-life “Normal Rae” – demanding the set on her hit show “Brothers & Sisters” be shut down after a production member came down with swine flu!
“Sally took control and personally pulled the plug. She didn’t even give the producers time to react,” a set insider told The Enquirer.
“She was fiercely concerned about everyone, especially her co-star Rachel Griffiths. Sally snapped at producers, ‘Rachel’s got a newborn! There’s no way in hell we’re going back to work until this set is declared 100 percent safe!'”
The ailing production crew member, who was not identified, most likely contracted the virus from a child returning from summer camp, according to those on the set. The hit ABC drama lost one day’s production on July 27 while medical investigators did the detective work to determine there was no further risk, said the source.
“Sally truly is the pack leader on the set,” the source added. “She found out over the weekend bout the swine flu case and made it clear no one on her show would be placed in any risk no matter what the cost.”
[From the National Enquirer, Aug 17, 2009, print ed.]
Better safe than sorry. While it’s important not to create a panic over swine flu, no one hears it and thinks “oh that’s like a bad sniffle.” Most people at least become concerned. Certainly closing down the set and making sure everyone is healthy and it’s safe enough to work is a good precaution. And hopefully one the producers would have taken had Sally not charged in. You also gotta hope Sally didn’t step on anyone’s toes in the process. What ultimately matters is making sure everyone is safe, and one day of lost work is not the absolute end of the world. It’s a little surprising she just went for it, but there are worse mistakes than being overly cautious.
Here’s Sally Field at the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Gala Tribute Honoring Tom Hanks in April. Images thanks to WENN.com .
oh wow, her appearance. I haven’t seen or heard anything about her in a while and last time she was at an awards show, her face literally looked like it was melting! she has good work done, she still looks like her original self.
that’s exactly what my mom would have done. Bosses be damned. Children be protected! lol I don’t think Gidget needs to ask anyone for permission. You wouldn’t expect Robert Redford or Clint Eastwood to ask for permission. At a certain point your clout will suffice.
I’m curious as the how they assured the set was safe???
Great actress, great person. She’s doesn’t give a crap about the money loss from shutting down production. Bravo, Sally!
P.S.: She looks great!
She doesn’t have the authority to shut down crap. Real story, she voiced her concerns to producers, probably along with other members of the cast and crew, and they shut it down pending further information. Nobody paid by the production company skipped work because Sally told them to. Her publicist sees the opportunity to make her look like a hero and takes it.
Rob N…………I agree. This is all so bogus. My guess, she was totally concerned about her own image and her own health….not that I totally believe this swine flu thing is going to take us out……PLEASE>>>>>>>>>>
I have heard she’s a complete germaphobe and control freak. Now apparently here’s more proof.
I love her.
I’m 78 years old and have loved Sally Fields since “The Flying Nun”. She looks fantastic and is still one of the greatest actresses around. She would not have chosen to close the set unless she felt is absolutely necessary. And I don’t believe a producer worth his salt would challenge her on ANYTHING, much less something of this nature. Good for her !! She commands a tremendous amount of respect in my book.
I’ve always liked her. Her teeth look real too.
i hope she picked up the tab including the lost wages! lets close all the airports,theaters.schools,hospitals,super markets,etc! motels,hotels,airlines,buses,etc.etc!!!! let’s stop all work and travel outside the home until the swine flu goes away!!!!! we can out rosie odonnel in charge of enforcement!
i used to like her but after what she said yday i no longer like her she is on bord with the prez on health care i have b cancer 2sd time and i am on medicade thank god it has coast 1.000.000 so far, i could never of afforded it i would of died and he wants to take that away from me how dare her say i am crazy shame on her