Sally Field Explains Why She Turned Down Diane Keaton’s Role in “The” “First Wives Club, ”Says It Was Not Her ‘Cup of Tea’
Sally Field Explains Why She Turned Down Diane Keaton’s Role in “The” “First Wives Club, ”Says It Was Not Her ‘Cup of Tea’
Tereza ShkurtajFri, May 1, 2026 at 10:58 PM UTC
0
Sally Field; Diane KeatonCredit: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty; Charley Gallay/Getty -
Sally Field recently confirmed that she passed on a major role in The First Wives Club
The 79-year-old actress said the film’s themes didn’t align with the kinds of stories she wanted to tell
Field also noted the role ultimately suited Diane Keaton better than it would her
Oscar-winning actress Sally Field recently opened up about a major role she once passed on, offering a candid look at how she evaluates the stories she chooses to tell.
While speaking to Parade, she reflected on her long career and the decisions that shaped it, including the opportunity to star in the 1996 hit The First Wives Club. Although the film became a commercial success with lasting popularity, Field ultimately decided it wasn’t the right fit for her.
“I did turn it down. I loved all of those actors, but I have always had a problem with older women either wanting to get a date or looking to like, you know, have more sex with their husband,” Field told the outlet. “Or I just feel like there’s more for women to say, so that was just never my cup of tea.”
Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler in 'The First Wives Club.'Credit: Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock
The First Wives Club centers on three divorced women who reunite and bond over their shared experiences of being left by their husbands for younger partners.
Starring Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton, the film blends comedy with themes of revenge and empowerment as the trio schemes to reclaim their independence.
Keaton ultimately took on the role Field declined — Annie Paradis, a reserved and emotionally fragile character navigating heartbreak and self-worth.
Advertisement
The film struck a chord with audiences, bolstered by its sharp humor and memorable performances, and even went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Musical or Comedy Score.
Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton and Better Midler in 'The First Wives Club.'Credit: Moviestore/Shutterstock
— sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Looking back, Field expressed confidence that the role simply wasn’t suited to her strengths.
“I couldn’t have done that role because I don’t sing, and they all did that at the end,” she told Parade. “I would never have been as good. I mean, it was absolutely right for Keaton, not for me."
In a 2023 interview with PEOPLE, Field shared that although Hawn encouraged her to take the role, she ultimately couldn’t envision herself in it.
"Maybe it would have been fun, but they were all so musical, and I'm not," she admitted. "And the movie wouldn't have been the same."
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
