Hayley Mills: From Child Star to Survivor

Hayley Mills, famed for Pollyanna and The Parent Trap, became a beloved icon of the 1960s and ’70s. But behind her cheerful

screen persona lay personal struggles — including the pressures of early fame, an eating disorder, and a controversial

relationship with director Roy Boulting, who was over 30 years her senior. Despite her success,

Mills discovered much of her childhood fortune was lost due to mismanaged finances and high taxes.

Determined to move forward, Mills continued acting while raising two sons, with steady roles in film, television,

and theater. Her resilience was tested again in 2008, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer on her 62nd birthday.

The diagnosis came as a shock, discovered during a routine mammogram. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy,

supported by family, especially her sister, who filled in for her on TV during recovery.

Now in her late 70s, Mills remains healthy and active, enjoying life as a grandmother and wellness advocate.

Her memoir Forever Young shares her journey through fame, hardship, and survival. Beyond the “Pollyanna” image,

Mills has proven herself a fighter — with a legacy marked by strength, grace, and lasting charm.