Donna Mills has always been a Hollywood icon, amassing an impressive body of work over the last half-century. Her career began on television in the 1960s with appearances in popular shows like “The Secret Storm” and “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing.” In 1967, she made her film debut in “The Incident,” sharing the screen with Martin Sheen, Beau Bridges, Ed McMahon, and Thelma Ritter.

For decades, Mills played the role of the damsel in distress, but her desire to break away from this typecast led to her most iconic role as Abby Cunningham on the daytime soap opera “Knots Landing.” From 1980 to 1989, Mills portrayed the cunning and manipulative Cunningham, earning three Soap Opera Digest Awards for Outstanding Villainess. She was even named one of the “5 Prime Time Soap Opera Villains We Love to Hate” by Everythingzoomer.

After leaving “Knots Landing,” Mills focused on film roles, appearing in TV movies such as “In My Daughter’s Name” and “My Name Is Kate.” With over 100 acting credits to her name, her net worth is nearly nine million dollars. Despite her success, Mills left Hollywood at the peak of her career to focus on raising her daughter. She took an 18-year break from acting, starting in 1994, to devote herself to motherhood, a lifelong dream she had not yet fulfilled. After her daughter grew up, Mills made a triumphant return to the screen.

In her 50s, Mills realized she wanted something more from life. She had been in a long-term relationship with Richard Holland and later found love with “MAS*H” actor Larry Gilman in 2001. Reflecting on her priorities, Mills decided to adopt a child at the age of 54. Many doubted her ability to keep up with a young child at that age, but Mills felt her age was just a number.

“I was very focused on my career, but at a certain point, I realized there was something missing — it was a child,” she told People. She adopted her daughter, Chloe, at four days old, and despite skepticism, Mills never felt too old to be a mother. She advises women who want both a career and a family to consider having children later in life.

Mills put her career on hold to focus on motherhood, only taking roles that allowed her to be present for her daughter. Now 28, Chloe and Mills share a close bond, frequently texting and meeting weekly. Chloe, a model and social media influencer with over 18,000 Instagram followers, attended the premiere of her mother’s film “Nope” in July 2022.

Reflecting on her life choices, Mills remains content, emphasizing the instant connection she felt with Chloe. “She was mine, and that settled the matter once and for all,” she said, believing their union was destined. Now back in the spotlight, Mills stars in the Lifetime series “Dawn” and showcases a striking new look with shoulder-length, silvery-white hair. Fans praised her new appearance, agreeing that she looks beautiful regardless of her hair color.

In her role as Lillian Cutler, Mills has seamlessly returned to acting, showing that even after years away, she remains a formidable presence in Hollywood.