What Happened to Donna Mills?
Donna Mills is an American actress best known for her iconic role as Abby Cunningham on the primetime soap opera "Knots Landing." After a significant hiatus to raise her adopted daughter, Chloe, Mills has experienced a career resurgence in recent years, continuing to act in films and television, and engaging with her audience on social media.
Quick Answer
Donna Mills, now 85 years old as of April 2026, remains active in the entertainment industry. She recently gained attention for a viral social media video on April 5, 2026, where she humorously clapped back at critics commenting on her makeup and age. Mills continues to act, co-hosts the "We're Knot Done Yet" podcast, and is preparing to become a grandmother, as her daughter Chloe is expecting a child.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Chicago, Illinois
Donna Jean Miller, later known as Donna Mills, was born in Chicago, Illinois.
Television Debut
Mills began her television career with a recurring role on "The Secret Storm" and appeared on Broadway in Woody Allen's "Don't Drink the Water."
Film Breakthrough in 'Play Misty for Me'
She starred as Tobie Williams, Clint Eastwood's girlfriend, in the thriller film "Play Misty for Me," marking a significant early film role.
Joins 'Knots Landing' as Abby Cunningham
Mills landed her most iconic role as the manipulative Abby Cunningham on the primetime soap opera "Knots Landing," a role she played until 1989.
Wins First Soap Opera Digest Award
She won her first of three Soap Opera Digest Awards for Outstanding Villainess for her work on "Knots Landing."
Departs 'Knots Landing'
Mills left "Knots Landing" after nine years, citing a desire for a break from the show and the character.
Adopts Daughter Chloe
At 54 years old, Mills adopted her newborn daughter, Chloe, leading to an 18-year hiatus from full-time acting to focus on motherhood.
Begins Relationship with Larry Gilman
Mills began a long-term relationship with actor Larry Gilman, with whom she has chosen not to marry.
Returns to Daytime TV in 'General Hospital'
She made a significant return to daytime soap operas, joining "General Hospital" as Madeline Reeves, a role that earned her an Emmy.
Wins Daytime Emmy Award
Mills won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Guest Performer in a Drama Series for her role on "General Hospital."
Appears in Jordan Peele's 'Nope'
She made a notable appearance in Jordan Peele's critically acclaimed horror film "Nope," marking a return to major film projects.
Stars in 'V.C. Andrews' Dawn' and 'Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas'
Mills starred in the Lifetime limited series "V.C. Andrews' Dawn" and the holiday film "Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas."
Announces Daughter's Pregnancy
Donna Mills announced that her daughter, Chloe, is expecting her first child, making Mills a soon-to-be grandmother.
Co-hosts 'We're Knot Done Yet' Podcast
Mills continues to co-host the podcast 'We're Knot Done Yet' with former 'Knots Landing' co-stars Joan Van Ark and Michele Lee.
Claps Back at Makeup Critics on Instagram
Mills, at 85, posted a viral Instagram video humorously responding to critics who commented on her wearing 'too much makeup for her age,' stating 'style doesn't have an expiration date.'
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Donna Mills, born Donna Jean Miller on December 11, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, rose to prominence in the 1980s for her captivating portrayal of the manipulative and glamorous Abby Cunningham on the long-running CBS primetime soap opera "Knots Landing". Prior to this career-defining role, Mills had established herself in television and film, notably appearing opposite Clint Eastwood in the 1971 thriller "Play Misty for Me". Her decision to take on the villainous Abby was a conscious effort to break free from being typecast as the "damsel in distress".
A significant turning point in Mills' life and career came in 1994 when, at the age of 54, she adopted her daughter, Chloe. This led to an 18-year hiatus from full-time acting, as Mills prioritized motherhood, stating she didn't want to be an absentee parent or rely on nannies. During this period, she made occasional appearances but largely stepped away from the spotlight to focus on raising Chloe, a decision she considers her greatest joy.
Mills began her return to acting in the 2010s, with notable roles including Madeline Reeves on the daytime soap opera "General Hospital" from 2014 to 2018, for which she won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Guest Performer in a Drama Series. Her career resurgence continued with appearances in films such as David O. Russell's "Joy" (2015), Jordan Peele's horror film "Nope" (2022), and "Origin" (2023). She also starred in the Lifetime limited series "V.C. Andrews' Dawn" and the holiday film "Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas" in 2023.
As of April 6, 2026, Donna Mills, at 85 years old, remains an active and vibrant public figure. She co-hosts the podcast "We're Knot Done Yet" with former "Knots Landing" co-stars Joan Van Ark and Michele Lee, discussing their careers and lives. In a widely reported event on April 5, 2026, Mills posted an Instagram video humorously responding to online critics who commented on her makeup and age, asserting that "style doesn't have an expiration date". Personally, Mills has been in a long-term relationship with actor Larry Gilman since 2001, choosing not to marry but maintaining separate finances. She is also eagerly anticipating becoming a grandmother, as her daughter Chloe is expecting her first child. Mills' net worth is estimated at $9 million, accumulated through her extensive acting career and entrepreneurial ventures, including a line of beauty products.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Donna Mills made different choices?