In the dazzling and ever-evolving realm of Hollywood, few names command as much respect and admiration as Donna Mills. With a career spanning over five remarkable decades, she has etched her name in the annals of entertainment history and left an indelible mark on television and film. Her journey from the early days of television to becoming an icon on primetime television is a testament to her versatility and enduring talent.
Donna’s journey into the world of entertainment began in the 1960s when television was still finding its footing as a medium for storytelling. She emerged as a budding star with roles in popular TV shows such as ‘The Secret Storm’ and ‘Love Is a Many Splendored Thing’. These early experiences set the stage for what would become a legendary career, but it was in 1967 that she made her official debut in the film “The Incident”. Sharing the screen with the likes of Martin Sheen, Beau Bridges, Ed McMahon, and Thelma Ritter, Donna Mills was ready for stardom.
For years, the rising celebrity was stereotyped as a helpless girl. However, her desire to escape from it produced the most iconic part of her career. Currently, she is best known for her award-winning role as Abby Cunningham in the prime-time soap opera “Knots Landing.”
From 1980 to 1989, Donna played the lead actress of the series. She has been awarded Soap Opera Digest’s Outstanding Villain Award three times for her mesmerizing portrayal of the devious and conniving Cunningham. Additionally, Everythingzoomer listed Donna as one of the “5 Soap Opera Villains We Love to Hate”.
After landing her breakthrough role, she went on to star in more movies and TV shows. After leaving “Knots Landing,” she focused more on film acting, playing roles in the TV movies “In My Daughter’s Name” and “My Name Is Kate.” The native of Chicago has over 100 acting credits and an estimated net worth of $9 million.
Donna unexpectedly left her profession at the top, only to return to it after becoming a mother in her 50s, for which she faced criticism. Since then, Donna has been enjoying aging gracefully while still sporting clothing that suggests she has a youthful spirit. Keep reading to learn more about Donna, her journey to parenthood, and her experiment with still looking and dressing youthfully!
Donna had been busy with her profession for most of her life when she realized it in her fifties. Richard Holland and her once shared a long-term romance, but Orange Coast Magazine reported that she was “happily single”. Later, in 2001, she fell in love with “M*A*S*H” actor Larry Gilman.
When she turned 50, Donna said in an interview with People Magazine that she didn’t feel like her life was complete, which made her think about adopting a child.
I was really focused on my profession, but eventually, I felt that I was missing something, and that was the child, she added. I adopted her when she was four days old.
According to Donna, many people worried that she would not have the strength to become a mother in her 50s because they believed that at 54 she was too old to be a mother to a young child. However, the Daytime Emmy Award-winning actress believed her age was just a number.
“I was 54 at the time and many commented that I was too old to be running around after a baby. I had never experienced that,” she said. “I never felt older than other mothers who were probably in their 20s.”
In an interview with People, Donna said that in later life she loved children so much that she would recommend the same to other women, especially those who want to combine a great job with a family.
She told the magazine: “I feel that having a baby later in life is better than having a baby early if you want to focus on your work.
Donna decided to put her career on hold after adopting her daughter, if only for a while.
Admitting that being a mother is a full-time job for her, Donna said she will not miss parenting her child.
“I had an 18-year hiatus. I wasn’t employed,” she admitted to People Magazine. “Well, I worked for the first few years. I did different TV movies and stuff because I could take her with me wherever I went. However, I had no intention of leaving town for more than two months after she started school. And I didn’t become a parent to hand my child over to a nanny.
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Chloe Mills is now 28 years old, but mother and daughter are still close. According to Donna, she and her daughter often communicate via text messages throughout the day and even schedule a time to meet once a week.
While some have criticized Donna for putting parenthood ahead of her career, the actress is thrilled with how her life has turned out. The Daily Mail claims that Donna “fell in love” with Chloe the moment she laid eyes on her and that she immediately knew the two of them were meant to be.
Donna is still a famous celebrity today. In the Lifetime television series “Dawn” based on the bestseller by V.C. Andrews, Donna makes a triumphant return to the screen with Fran Drescher and Joey McIntyre. Donna played Lillian Cutler’s evil grandmother and from what we can see, she did an amazing job.
Donna flaunted her sinister ensemble on Instagram, complete with a large brooch and bright blue jacket. However, her new hairstyle caught everyone’s attention. She has traded her previously recognizable honey-blonde hair for a head of wavy silver-white shoulder-length hair.
They say blondes are more fun, but I think this white color is gorgeous. What do you think? Mills posed the question to her fans in the caption.
Donna’s fresh look delighted her followers. “I love it. No matter what color your hair is, you still look stunning,” said one person, while another added: “It makes your gorgeous eyes pop even more than before!”
Donna Mills has always had a unique ability to captivate her audience, whether through her acting skills or her ever-evolving sense of style. Her decision to adopt a new look only underscores her determination to reinvent herself and stay true to herself.
In conclusion, Donna Mills’ journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and chasing your dreams. From her early days on television to her iconic role in ‘Knots Landing’ and her bold decision to become a mother later in life, she has continually defied expectations and embraced the path less trodden. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors, working mothers, and anyone who believes that age should never be a barrier to pursuing your passions. Donna Mills remains a timeless icon, a Hollywood legend who continues to inspire and charm audiences around the world with her talent, grace, and unwavering spirit.