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Sally Field refused this iconic role, reveals it was never her 'cup of tea'
By Janelle Ash
Published April 25, 2026
Sally Field almost landed a role in one of the most iconic movies in history and is finally revealing why she ended up saying no.
During an interview with Parade, the actress explained why she said no to the role of Annie Paradis in "The First Wives Club." According to the Academy Award winner, she said no because she had an issue with the plot of the movie.
"I loved all those actors. But I did turn it down," Field began. "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."
Sally Field declined to star in "The First Wives Club." (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
"I just feel like there’s more for women to say, so that was just never my cup of tea," she continued.
SALLY FIELD CONFESSES SHE ‘CAN’T IMAGINE’ GETTING MARRIED AGAIN, ISN’T GOOD AT ‘PICKING A PARTNER’
"The First Wives Club" followed three middle-aged women — Annie, Brenda and Elise — who reunite after the suicide of their college friend who was abandoned by her husband for a younger woman.
"I just feel like there’s more for women to say, so that was just never my cup of tea."
Realizing they’ve all been similarly discarded by their own husbands, the trio forms a bond and decide to take revenge. The comedy starred Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton and Bette Midler.
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Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler pose together during a shoot for "First Wives Club." (Getty Images)
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Field told Parade the musical number of the three women was another reason she has no regrets about declining the role.
"I couldn’t have done that role because I don’t sing, and they all do at the end," she said.
Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton star in a scene from the 1996 film "The First Wives Club." (Getty Images)
The role Field was offered ended up going to the late Keaton.
"I would never have been as good," Field told the outlet. "I mean, it was absolutely right for Keaton — not for me."
Diane Keaton died in October at 79. (Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage)
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Keaton died Oct. 11 at age 79 from bacterial pneumonia.
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/sally-field-refused-iconic-role-reveals-never-cup-tea