A Young Dreamer’s Journey
As a pig-tailed youngster with dreams of becoming a professional dancer, Donna Mills embarked on a journey that would lead her from the suburbs of Norwood Park, Chicago, to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
Donna Mills in the UK on November 27, 1972. | Source: Getty Images
Observant and Independent
Growing up, Donna was a tomboy with a keen eye for observation. She noticed her mother’s transformation when she worked as a telephone operator, which instilled in her the importance of independence.
(L-R) William Devane and Donna Mills appearing in the TV movie “The Bait” in 1973. | Source: Getty Images
Rejecting Conventional Values
Despite her parents’ traditional values, Donna rejected their bigotry and pursued her dreams, even when it meant facing disapproval, such as her mother’s reaction to her dating a Jewish boy.
Donna Mills appearing in the ABC TV movie “Superdome” in New Orleans, 1978. | Source: Getty Images
A Fortuitous Turn
At 19, Donna landed a part in a touring company of “My Fair Lady,” setting her on a path to stardom. Despite her initial aspirations to become a ballet dancer, her talent for acting soon became evident.
Donna Mills and Clint Eastwood in “Play Misty for Me,” on January 1, 1971 | Source: Getty Images
From Soap Operas to Stardom
Donna’s journey in the entertainment industry led her to New York City, where she appeared in commercials and auditioned for various shows. She gained valuable experience in daytime soap operas before transitioning to primetime television.
Donna Mills stars as Abby Cunningham, in the CBS television series “Knots Landing” on June 1, 1980. | Source: Getty Images
Defining Role: Abby Cunningham
Donna’s career-defining role came with “Knots Landing,” where she portrayed the conniving Abby Cunningham, one of the most iconic TV villains of the ’80s and early ’90s.
A Life of Independence and Love
Outside of her acting career, Donna values her independence and has enjoyed long-term relationships with partners who respect her autonomy. Despite never marrying, she cherishes love and companionship in her life.
Motherhood and Career
Motherhood came later in life for Donna, but it brought her immense joy. She adopted her daughter, Chloe, at 54 and took an 18-year hiatus from acting to raise her. After Chloe went to college, Donna returned to acting with renewed passion.
Donna Mills attends the Los Angeles Ballet’s 2023 Gala at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, on May 18, 2023, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
She played the title character in the 2017 production of “Driving Miss Daisy” at The Colony Theatre in Burbank and made an impactful appearance in Jordan Peele’s “Nope.”
For Lifetime’s adaptation of V.C. Andrews’ “Dawn,” she concedes that she is “probably the evilest” she has ever been, adding, “It’s so much fun to play the evil character, it really is.”
Donna Mills Has a Vineyard ― in Her Backyard
“Larry planted a vineyard for me last year,” Mills told Closer in 2015. “He’s really such a good guy.” Initially, she was apprehensive about Gilman’s plan to turn the land behind their property in Brentwood, Los Angeles, into an agricultural undertaking.
Now she identifies as a farmer, “And to be a farmer is kind of fun,” she says. Mandeville Vineyards produces between 600 and 900 bottles of wine a year.
The vines are just one of the many unusual features of her close to 5,000 square feet home. The dining room’s walls are artfully layered with blocks of gold leaf. At night, it gives a “magical” effect in candlelight.
“We don’t need to put the lights on unless we want to see our food better,” she quips. The star loves hosting famous friends like Joan Crawford and her “Knots” castmates around the large wooden table that stood in her kitchen in her previous house.
