Hayley Mills rose to fame in the 1960s and ’70s as a beloved child star, known for her cheerful roles in Pollyanna and The Parent Trap. Behind the scenes, however, her life was filled with personal challenges — from a childhood lost to the spotlight and an eating disorder, to a controversial romance and financial loss. Despite her early success, Mills struggled to break free from the “Pollyanna” image and battled to carve her own path as she matured.
In her twenties, Mills married director Roy Boulting, who was over 30 years her senior, sparking headlines. She later discovered that nearly all her childhood earnings had been lost due to high taxes and poor financial planning. Undeterred, she continued acting, raising her two sons, and working steadily in film and television. Her career remained active into her 60s, including roles in stage productions and the series Wild at Heart.
Then, on her 62nd birthday in 2008, Mills received a shocking call: a breast cạncẻr diagnosis. With no symptoms and the cạncẻr discovered through a routine mammogram, she underwent surgery and chemotherapy. Though treatment took its toll, her family and sense of humor helped her endure. Her sister even stepped in to temporarily take over her TV role while she recovered.
Now in her late 70s, Hayley Mills is healthy, thriving, and enjoying life as a grandmother. She continues to advocate for wellness, crediting her recovery to early detection, a healthy lifestyle, and emotional resilience. Her memoir, Forever Young, reflects on the highs and lows of fame, proving she’s more than the girl next door — she’s a survivor with a story worth telling.