One of British actress Hayley Mills’ fondest memories is of spending time at Disneyland with Walt Disney. “He walked everywhere and went on all the rides with us — the bobsled ride, the Peter Pan ride, he even went on the teacups,” Hayley, 77, tells Closer. “It goes round and round, and most adults hate it because it makes them feel sick.”
In 1960, Hayley was chosen by Walt to play the title character in Pollyanna. The film won her a juvenile Academy Award and led to a six-year run of hit Disney films, including The Parent Trap, The Chalk Garden and That Darn Cat!, which helped make her the most popular young actress of the 1960s.
You began your career at 12, acting alongside your father, Sir John Mills. What was the best lesson you learned from him?
He always said, “If you believe, they’ll believe, so just believe it.” I think he trusted my instincts. I also learned about how to behave as a professional by watching him. I learned the importance about learning your lines, turning up on time and treating people with courtesy. He was very pragmatic about it because he was a star all his life.
If you hadn’t started acting as a child, do you think you would have still become an actress?
I think eventually I might well have been an actress. I went through that whole scenario of thinking I wasn’t that good and it was all a terrible mistake to rediscovering it again when I was older and loving it.
You recently published a memoir about your life, Forever Young. Did writing about your early fame give you a different perspective on your life?
This story is from the October 23, 2023 edition of Closer US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 23, 2023 edition of Closer US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
GENA ROWLANDS : The Screen Legend Has Alzheimer's
She gave a heart-wrenching performance as a woman with Alzheimer's disease in the beloved romantic drama The Notebook.
SAM ELLIOTT : MY LIFE IN 10 Pictures
\"I'MA sixth-generation Texan, even though I was born in California,\" proclaimed Samuel Pack Elliott.
Memories of Our Father, MICHAEL LANDON
HIS CHILDREN SHARE MEMORIES OF THEIR WISE, STRICT AND FUNNY DAD
KATHLEEN TURNER : What I've Learned at 70
THE FEARLESS ACTRESS MAKES NO 70 APOLOGIES FOR STAYING TRUE TO HERSELF
MEL HARRIS : Don't Wait UNTIL TOMORROW
The Thirtysomething alum shares favorite memories, life lessons and more
5 ESSENTIAL SUMMER SAFETY TIPS
FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT FOR FUN IN THE SUN
Veggie-Packed ITALIAN DELIGHTS
Travel to the Beautiful Country from the comfort of your kitchen with these simply delicious dinners
40 Years of THE BRAT PACK
THE HOTTEST YOUNG ACTORS OF THE 1980S LOOK BACK AT THE LABEL THAT CHANGED THEIR LIVES FOR BETTER AND WORSE
Stars Who Went from RAGS to RICHES
THESE FAMED PERFORMERS RAISED THEMSELVES UP FROM NOTHING
GOLDIE HAWN FEARS FOR HER SAFETY
Goldie Hawn and her longtime partner, Kurt Russell, are falling out of love - with Los Angeles.
