Steven Craig: Life, Career, and Relationship with Sally Field

Steven Craig is best known for his relationship with legendary actress Sally Field, but his life and career encompass much more than just his marriage to the two-time Academy Award winner. Steven Craig, a former high school sweetheart of Sally Field, played a significant role in her early life and personal journey. Their relationship, which evolved through various stages, is a fascinating part of Sally Field’s history, and Steven’s own career and personal achievements deserve recognition as well.

In this article, we’ll dive into the life of Steven Craig, his relationship with Sally Field, his career, and the impact he has had both personally and professionally.

Steven Craig: Bio Profile

Early Life and Background

Steven Craig was born in the 1940s in the United States, though much of his early life and background remain relatively private. Unlike Sally Field, who grew up under the spotlight, Steven led a quieter life, focused on his personal and professional aspirations. Little is publicly known about his childhood or education, as he was never the type of individual to seek fame or publicity.

His private nature contrasted with the world of Hollywood that he would eventually become connected to through his relationship with Sally Field. Nevertheless, Steven Craig’s life would take a significant turn when he met the young actress before her rise to stardom.

The Beginning of the Relationship with Sally Field

Steven Craig’s relationship with Sally Field dates back to their high school days. The two met as teenagers and quickly became close. It was a classic case of young love that blossomed as they both pursued their own respective paths in life. While Sally was beginning to carve out a career in acting, Steven pursued his own professional ambitions, which led him to a career as a businessman.

In 1968, when Sally was just 21 years old, Steven Craig and Sally Field tied the knot. At the time, Sally was beginning to gain fame thanks to her role as the title character in Gidget, a popular TV show about a teenage surfer girl. Her success continued with The Flying Nun, another TV series that made her a household name. Despite the growing demands of Sally’s career, their marriage initially seemed solid.

However, balancing a relationship with the growing pressures of Hollywood fame was not easy. As Sally Field’s star continued to rise, their marriage experienced challenges, many of which stemmed from the intense spotlight and the growing divide between their professional lives. Steven Craig, while a supportive husband, was not part of the entertainment world and preferred a life outside of the public eye.

Career as a Businessman

While Steven Craig is often associated with his marriage to Sally Field, he also pursued a career in business. Although specific details about his professional endeavors are not as widely documented, Steven Craig was a businessman by trade. His work in business provided financial stability and allowed him to support his family, particularly during the early years of Sally Field’s acting career.

While Sally Field’s fame often overshadowed Steven’s professional achievements, it is important to recognize that he built his own career away from the limelight. His success in business played a key role in supporting their family during their marriage, enabling them to raise their children in a stable environment.

Throughout his life, Steven has been a man who preferred to let his work speak for itself, rather than seek public attention for his accomplishments. His grounded personality helped to balance the public nature of Sally’s Hollywood career during their marriage.

Marriage to Sally Field: Triumphs and Challenges

Steven Craig and Sally Field’s marriage was both a personal and professional partnership, particularly during the early years of Sally’s acting career. After getting married in 1968, the couple welcomed two sons—Peter Craig in 1969 and Eli Craig in 1972. The early years of their marriage were filled with both joy and challenge, as Sally’s career was skyrocketing while Steven’s more private ambitions in business kept him out of the spotlight.

The two faced immense pressures as Sally began transitioning from her “girl-next-door” TV roles to more serious work in film. By the mid-1970s, Sally was preparing for a significant transformation in her career. She would go on to win two Academy Awards for Norma Rae (1979) and Places in the Heart (1984). However, these monumental career moments came after their marriage had already ended.

Their marriage faced significant challenges, particularly as Sally Field’s rising career created increasing demands on her time and attention. The tension between her Hollywood career and their family life ultimately led to their divorce in 1975, after seven years of marriage. Despite the split, both Steven and Sally remained focused on co-parenting their children and maintained a respectful relationship.

Co-Parenting and Life After Divorce

After their divorce, Steven Craig and Sally Field worked hard to ensure that their two sons, Peter and Eli, would continue to have a stable and loving environment. They co-parented their children successfully, ensuring that they were not heavily affected by their parents’ separation. Both sons grew up to be successful in their own right—Peter Craig is now an acclaimed author and screenwriter, known for his work on films such as The Hunger Games: Mockingjay and Top Gun: Maverick, while Eli Craig has made a name for himself as a filmmaker, most notably for his work on the horror-comedy Tucker and Dale vs. Evil.

Steven Craig’s involvement in his sons’ lives after the divorce speaks to his commitment as a father. Even though his marriage to Sally Field did not last, his dedication to raising their children and staying present in their lives remained strong. He continued to be a guiding influence on Peter and Eli, offering them the support they needed as they pursued their own careers in the creative arts.

Relationship with Sally Field Post-Divorce

Despite the end of their marriage, Steven Craig and Sally Field maintained a cordial relationship for the sake of their children. Over the years, Sally Field has spoken about the challenges of her first marriage but has always credited Steven for being a good father to their sons. While they both moved on with their lives, their mutual respect for each other remained intact, helping to create a positive environment for their children.

Sally Field later had high-profile relationships, including a long-term relationship with actor Burt Reynolds, but her bond with Steven Craig continued on a more family-oriented level. The two were able to put aside their differences to ensure that their sons received the love and support they needed as they navigated their own paths in life.

Steven Craig’s Legacy and Influence

Though Steven Craig may not have sought fame or the limelight, his influence on Sally Field’s early life and career is undeniable. As her first husband, Steven was there during some of the most formative years of her life, providing support as she navigated the difficult transition from television stardom to serious film acting. While their marriage ultimately ended in divorce, the impact of their relationship—particularly in raising their children—continues to be felt.

Steven’s sons, Peter and Eli Craig, have both followed creative paths, and their success is a testament to the supportive upbringing they received from both parents. Steven Craig’s legacy is one of quiet resilience, dedication to his family, and a career built outside the public eye. Though he is often recognized primarily as Sally Field’s ex-husband, Steven Craig’s life and contributions go far beyond that title.

Conclusion

Steven Craig’s life has been one of balance—supporting a superstar wife while maintaining his own career and personal goals. His marriage to Sally Field may have been the most publicized part of his life, but his role as a father, businessman, and partner goes much deeper. Despite their divorce, Steven Craig’s lasting legacy is seen in the accomplishments of his children and the respectful co-parenting relationship he maintained with Sally Field. His influence on Sally’s early career and their shared family remains an essential part of his story, even as he continues to live a private and quiet life today.