Hayley Mills is back in the spotlight—but this time, it’s not for another classic film. The Parent Trap star, now 75, has opened the doors to her incredible journey in her memoir, Forever Young. From rubbing elbows with Walt Disney to almost taking on Lolita, Mills shares the highs, lows, and jaw-dropping moments that defined her extraordinary career. The book, out now, is a window into the world of one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses—and it’s filled with revelations.
#1. The Disney Dream Begins
Mills was just 12 when she landed her first role in Tiger Bay, which quickly caught the attention of none other than Walt Disney himself. “I remember meeting Walt for the first time, and it was surreal,” Mills reminisces. That encounter sealed the deal for a six-picture contract that catapulted her to stardom. With Disney at the helm, she starred in a string of hits like Pollyanna, The Parent Trap, That Darn Cat, and The Moon-Spinners, solidifying her status as a Disney darling.
#2. A Memoir Full of Memories
While writing Forever Young during the pandemic, Mills dove into her past, revisiting moments that shaped her career and personal life. “It was sort of agony and ecstasy,” she admits. With her eldest son’s help, Mills pieced together a treasure trove of letters, journal entries, and memories, crafting a memoir that’s both a love letter to her fans and a candid exploration of her struggles.
#3. Walt Disney: More Than Just a Mogul
Her recollections of Walt Disney are filled with warmth and admiration. “He was like a character out of his own movies,” Mills says. Describing him as someone who stayed “forever young,” Mills credits Disney for shaping not just her career, but also her worldview. His goal? To show the best in people through his films. And Mills’ iconic roles were perfect vehicles for that mission.
#4. The Roles That Got Away: Lolita and Beyond
While Mills’ career soared under Disney’s wing, it came at a cost. The association with Disney’s squeaky-clean image meant she had to turn down some significant roles—none more infamous than Lolita. “I’d love to have played it,” Mills admits. But her Disney persona clashed with the sultry role Kubrick offered, and she had to pass. Still, she doesn’t look back in regret. “We just don’t know how it would have changed my career.”
#5. The Pressure of Perfection
Though Mills’ life seemed charmed, the pressure to maintain her image was intense. She reveals battles with bulimia and the crushing expectations of Hollywood. Mills also faced financial struggles, losing the fortune she was supposed to inherit at 21 due to England’s exorbitant tax rates. Yet, through it all, she stayed resilient.
#6. A Personal Reflection on Hollywood Life
In the memoir, Mills details her marriage to Roy Boulting—a relationship that stirred controversy due to their 32-year age gap—and her desire to carve out an identity beyond her Disney roles. She candidly reflects on her parents’ influence, her mother’s battle with alcoholism, and how the fame she achieved as a child affected her adult life. “I had the same adolescent battles that everyone goes through,” she writes.
#7. The Magic—and Curse—of Pollyanna
Of all the characters she’s played, Pollyanna remains the most impactful. Mills describes it as both a “blessing and a curse,” a role that followed her well into adulthood. “People expected me to be Pollyanna,” she recalls, laughing, “but life isn’t always so sunny.”
#8. Always Holding On to Youth
With Forever Young, Hayley Mills delivers a candid, engaging memoir that doesn’t shy away from the struggles she faced, both on and off the screen. For Mills, the message is clear: “Our childhood shapes us, and the child in us is always there.” Fans of the beloved actress will find themselves captivated by her story—one that reminds us that even Hollywood icons are still human.
Forever Young is available now.
