Hayley Mills

The Darling of Disney and Beyond

Hayley Mills is one of the most beloved child actresses of all time, best known for her charming performances in classic Disney films of the 1960s. With her natural talent, infectious energy, and wholesome appeal, she captured the hearts of audiences around the world. Over the years, Mills transitioned from a child star to a respected actress, maintaining a career that has spanned decades.

From her breakthrough role in Pollyanna (1960) to her iconic dual performance in The Parent Trap (1961), Hayley Mills became a symbol of youthful innocence and adventure. But beyond her early fame, she continued to evolve as an actress, proving her versatility on stage and screen.

Early Life and Family Legacy

Hayley Catherine Rose Vivien Mills was born on April 18, 1946, in London, England, into a family with deep roots in the entertainment industry. Her father, Sir John Mills, was a legendary British actor, and her mother, Mary Hayley Bell, was a successful playwright. Her sister, Juliet Mills, also became a well-known actress.

Growing up surrounded by actors and filmmakers, Mills was naturally drawn to the arts. However, her entry into acting happened almost by chance. At the age of 12, she was discovered by director J. Lee Thompson, who cast her in the British drama Tiger Bay (1959) alongside her father. Her performance was widely praised, and she won the BAFTA Award for Most Promising Newcomer.

Rise to Stardom: The Disney Years

A Disney Darling

Mills’s breakout role in Tiger Bay caught the attention of Walt Disney himself, who saw her as the perfect actress to star in his upcoming film Pollyanna (1960). The movie, based on the classic novel, told the story of an optimistic young girl who changes the lives of those around her.

Pollyanna was a massive success, and Mills won a special Academy Award (the Juvenile Oscar) for her performance. It was clear that Disney had found its new star.

The Parent Trap and Other Disney Classics

Following the success of Pollyanna, Mills starred in several hit Disney films, including:

The Parent Trap (1961) – Arguably her most famous role, Mills played twin sisters who scheme to reunite their divorced parents. The film’s special effects, which allowed Mills to play both characters in the same scene, were ground breaking at the time.

In Search of the Castaways (1962) – A high-seas adventure film based on Jules Verne’s novel.

Summer Magic (1963) – A musical comedy-drama that further showcased Mills’s charm and singing ability.

The Moon-Spinners (1964) – A suspenseful thriller set in Greece, showing a more mature side of Mills.

That Darn Cat! (1965) – A comedy-mystery featuring Mills as a mischievous teenager who helps solve a kidnapping case.

By the mid-1960s, Mills had become one of Disney’s most bankable stars, beloved for her natural screen presence and ability to portray both innocence and intelligence.

Breaking Away from Disney

As she entered her late teens, Mills sought to break free from her child star image. She wanted to take on more serious and diverse roles.

In 1966, she starred in the coming-of-age drama The Trouble with Angels, where she played a rebellious student at a Catholic school. This film marked a shift in her career as she moved away from Disney’s wholesome image.

To further distance herself from her Disney persona, Mills took on more mature and controversial roles, including:

The Family Way (1966), a British drama where she played a newlywed dealing with marital struggles. This film was notable because it featured Mills in a more adult context, including a love scene.

Pretty Polly (1967), in which she played a young woman exploring life and love in Singapore.

Though these roles showcased her versatility, Mills struggled to maintain the same level of stardom she had enjoyed as a child actress.

Life Beyond Hollywood

Personal Challenges and Reinvention

In the 1970s, Mills took a step back from Hollywood, focusing on her personal life and interests. She had a long-term relationship with film director Roy Boulting, who was over 30 years her senior. Their relationship, and subsequent marriage, attracted media attention. They had a son, Crispian Mills, who later became the lead singer of the British rock band Kula Shaker.

During this period, Mills also developed an interest in Eastern philosophy and spirituality, spending time in India and exploring different ways of living beyond Hollywood’s spotlight.

Return to Acting

By the 1980s, Mills returned to acting, working primarily in television and theatre. She reprised her role as Susan and Sharon in Parent Trap II (1986) and appeared in several British television dramas.

In the 1990s, she gained popularity again with Good Morning, Miss Bliss (1987–1989), a TV show that later evolved into Saved by the Bell. This introduced her to a new generation of viewers.

She continued working in theatre and appeared in stage productions in both the UK and the US.

Legacy and Influence

Hayley Mills remains one of the most beloved actresses of her generation. Her work with Disney continues to inspire audiences, and The Parent Trap remains a timeless classic, even spawning a successful remake in 1998 starring Lindsay Lohan.

Her impact on cinema goes beyond nostalgia. As a child actress, she set a high standard for young performers, proving that child stars could carry a film with talent and charm. Her transition into more mature roles, though challenging, showed her depth as an actress.

In 2021, Mills released her memoir, Forever Young, where she reflected on her early stardom, her struggles with fame, and her journey toward personal growth and reinvention.

Final Thoughts

From a bright-eyed Disney darling to a seasoned actress who carved her own path, Hayley Mills’s career is a testament to resilience and adaptability. While many child stars fade into obscurity, Mills found a way to keep evolving, embracing different roles and experiences.

Even today, her films continue to bring joy to audiences, proving that the magic of Hayley Mills is truly timeless.