United Kingdom, May 9 -- Sally Field has revealed Jack Nicholson played a pivotal role in rescuing her early Hollywood career.

After studios dismissed her as little more than the star of The Flying Nun,

the two-time Oscar winner, 79, reflected on the struggle to be taken seriously as an actress during a new interview, explaining the success of her early television sitcoms left her effectively blacklisted from more substantial dramatic roles.

Sally told People: "(I) couldn't get in a room to audition. I couldn't get on the list. They thought they already knew what I was. 'No, thanks. We don't want any of that'."

The actress also explained she eventually adopted a personal philosophy focused on improving her craft rather than fighting H...