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The Ageless Icon: How Old Is Donna Mills Now And Her 5 Secrets To Looking Younger Than Her Age

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The enduring fascination with Donna Mills’ age stems from a career that spans over six decades and an appearance that seems to defy the passage of time. As of today, December 22, 2025, the legendary actress, best known for her iconic role as the scheming Abby Cunningham on the primetime soap opera Knots Landing, has reached a remarkable milestone. She recently celebrated her 85th birthday, making her a vibrant and active octogenarian in Hollywood. Her longevity in the entertainment industry, coupled with her commitment to a healthy lifestyle, continues to make her a subject of intense public curiosity and admiration, proving that age is truly just a number in her world.

The question of "how old is Donna Mills" is a perennial search query, not just for her birth year but for the wisdom and secrets behind her ageless persona. Born in the 1940s, she represents a golden era of television, yet she remains relevant with recent roles in major films like Jordan Peele’s Nope and Ava DuVernay's Origin. This article delves into her complete biography, her personal life with partner Larry Gilman and daughter Chloe Mills, and the disciplined regimen that keeps her looking decades younger than her 85 years.

Donna Mills: Complete Biography and Current Profile (December 2025)

Donna Mills, born Donna Jean Miller, is an accomplished American actress and television producer whose career has seen her transition seamlessly from daytime drama to iconic primetime villainy and, more recently, to modern cinematic roles. Her profile remains active and highly relevant in 2025.

  • Full Name: Donna Jean Miller
  • Current Age (2025): 85 years old
  • Date of Birth: December 11, 1940
  • Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
  • Education: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (attended)
  • Profession: Actress, Producer, Advocate
  • Known For: Abby Cunningham on Knots Landing (1980-1989)
  • Partner: Larry Gilman (Partner since 2001)
  • Daughter: Chloe Mills (Adopted in 1994)
  • Recent Projects: Origin (2023), Nope (2022), General Hospital (2014-2015)
  • Notable Awards: Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Villainess (multiple wins)

The Iconic Era: Abby Cunningham and the Power of Knots Landing

While Donna Mills began her career with roles in shows like The Secret Storm and the Clint Eastwood film Play Misty for Me, her professional life was irrevocably defined by a single, magnetic character: Abby Cunningham.

In 1980, Mills joined the cast of the CBS primetime soap opera Knots Landing, a spin-off of Dallas. Her character, Abby, arrived on the cul-de-sac and immediately became the show's resident schemer and manipulative vixen.

Abby was the antithesis of the typical soap opera heroine. She was ambitious, self-serving, and ruthlessly charming. This complexity is what made her one of the most memorable characters in television history, earning Mills multiple Soap Opera Digest Awards for Outstanding Villainess.

Mills played Abby Cunningham for nine seasons, from 1980 until 1989, before deciding to leave the show to focus on her personal life and explore other creative avenues, particularly producing made-for-TV movies. This chapter of her career solidified her status as a legendary diva of the small screen.

A Career Renaissance: From Soap Star to Silver Screen in Her 80s

Following her departure from Knots Landing, Donna Mills spent over a decade focused on her daughter, Chloe, whom she adopted in 1994 at the age of 54. This decision marked a significant shift in her priorities, stepping away from the intense demands of a full-time acting career to embrace motherhood.

However, the 2010s and 2020s have seen a remarkable career resurgence for Mills, proving that her talent and star power are truly timeless. She returned to the world of soap operas with a recurring role on General Hospital, which earned her a Daytime Emmy Award.

Her most notable recent work has been a successful transition to the silver screen in her 80s, introducing her to a whole new generation of fans:

  • Nope (2022): Director Jordan Peele cast Mills in a cameo role that paid homage to her classic Hollywood glamour. The brief but memorable appearance in the hit sci-fi horror film demonstrated her continued relevance and appeal.
  • Origin (2023): Mills had a role in Ava DuVernay's critically acclaimed biographical drama, which further showcased her commitment to working on diverse and high-profile projects well into her ninth decade.
  • Television Movies: She continues to appear in various television movies, including a role in the Hallmark Mystery film Love is a Four Letter Word, maintaining her presence on the small screen.

Donna Mills’ 5 Secrets to Ageless Beauty and Longevity at 85

At 85, Donna Mills is frequently lauded for her remarkably youthful appearance, making her a source of inspiration and the subject of endless curiosity about her anti-aging regimen. She has been open about her disciplined approach, which centers on internal health and a positive mindset.

Here are the key pillars of her ageless beauty philosophy:

  1. The Low-Carb, No-Dessert Diet: Mills maintains a very disciplined diet, emphasizing that she is "very careful" about what she eats. Her primary rule is a strict avoidance of simple carbohydrates, which includes bread, dessert, ice cream, and other sugary treats. This low-carb regimen is a core component of her fitness routine.
  2. Hydration and Skincare: A foundational element of her routine is consistent hydration and a meticulous skincare regimen. While she has not disclosed specific product names, she emphasizes moisturizing and protecting her skin from the sun, a classic Hollywood beauty secret.
  3. A Positive Attitude and Mindset: Mills often states that the true secret to aging gracefully is a positive and healthy mindset. She believes that happiness and a good attitude are reflected externally, giving her a vibrant and youthful glow that goes beyond just diet and exercise.
  4. Consistent Fitness Routine: Even in her 80s, Mills remains dedicated to her fitness. In 2024, she spoke about changing up her exercise habits, focusing on a routine that keeps her strong and energized, demonstrating a willingness to adapt her regimen to her body’s current needs.
  5. The Joy of Motherhood: Mills credits the late-life adoption of her daughter, Chloe, as "the best moment of my entire life." Raising Chloe gave her a new purpose and energy, which she believes contributed significantly to her overall health and youthful outlook. This focus on family, including her long-term partner, actor Larry Gilman, is a central part of her life.

Life Today: Family, Farming, and Future Projects

Today, Donna Mills' life is a blend of Hollywood appearances and a quieter, grounded life with her family. She and her partner of over two decades, Larry Gilman, live in California. Interestingly, the couple describes themselves as "farmers," running a small operation that further connects them to a healthy, natural lifestyle.

Her daughter, Chloe, is now an adult, and Mills has spoken about the immense joy and fulfillment that motherhood brought her, a role she prioritized over her career for many years. This personal choice to step away from the spotlight to raise her daughter is a powerful testament to her priorities.

As she moves through her 85th year, Donna Mills continues to attend high-profile events, such as the Movieguide Awards in 2024, and maintains an active interest in new acting projects. Her enduring beauty, combined with a sharp business mind and a grounded personal life, ensures that this iconic actress will remain a fixture in Hollywood for years to come. The question of "how old is Donna Mills" will continue to be asked, but her legacy proves that vitality and beauty only deepen with age.

how old is donna mills
how old is donna mills

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