Gina Heslop
Donna Mills, the accomplished American film and TV actress, showcased her enduring charm on April 30, 2023, when she shared a delightful Instagram post featuring herself alongside legendary actresses Linda Gray and Joan Collins. The trio, radiant and fashionable, left fans in awe, marking another instance of Mills flaunting her elegance on social media.
Mills, a prominent figure in show business since the 1960s, not only impressed audiences with her acting prowess but also embraced motherhood in her 50s and found love at 60. The Instagram post captured the three Hollywood icons during a magazine shoot, as Mills expressed gratitude to Hello Magazine for featuring their story.
Fans hailed the trio as “icons,” “soap queens,” and “legends,” reminiscing about the shows that made them famous. Despite the passing years, admirers marveled at their timeless beauty. Mills, known for her role as Abby Cunningham in “Knots Landing” until 1989, took an 18-year hiatus to focus on raising her daughter, Chloe Mills.
Returning to Hollywood, Mills, at 81, continued to defy aging stereotypes. In a 2022 interview, she attributed her ageless appearance to mindful eating, eschewing cosmetic treatments, and maintaining an active lifestyle. Her workout routine included weight training and ballet, complemented by a healthy diet with a preference for homegrown vegetables and fruits.
Mills, a self-proclaimed mediocre cook, emphasized her aversion to sun exposure and reluctance towards cosmetic procedures, expressing pride in her natural lines and wrinkles. Her makeup routine, showcased in a video from 2014, reflected her comfort and joy in doing it herself.
In addition to her professional success, Mills’ personal life unfolded in a unique way. Becoming a mother at 54, she faced criticism but cherished the decision, advocating for late parenthood. Her bond with daughter Chloe remained strong, and Mills took pride in her 18-year hiatus as a stay-at-home parent.
Since 2001, Mills has shared a lasting relationship with Larry Gilman, a successful actor, producer, and entrepreneur, known for his roles in “MAS*H,” “Final Destination,” and “Cool Runnings.” Gilman, ten years her junior, offered valuable advice on pursuing one’s passion.
The couple’s love story blossomed further in 2015 when Gilman gifted Mills her own vineyard in LA’s Brentwood neighborhood. Their enduring romance and shared ventures, like planning to bottle their own wine, emphasize that love and passion only deepen with time and age. The duo, enjoying life in their vineyard, is a testament to enduring love and a fulfilling journey.
