Donna Mills isn’t just someone who dreams — she’s a doer! "The best thing about being my age," says the Knots Landing legend, now 82, "is realizing that time is precious. You’ve got to figure out what you want to do with the time you have left." Donna’s not wasting a second. With her recent role as the enigmatic Lillian Cutler in the four-part Lifetime series V.C. Andrews’ Dawn, she's proving that age is just a number. "As soon as I knew I had this role, I dove into the books," Donna shares. "The storytelling is fantastic, and it’s been such a rewarding experience."
A Journey Through Dance and Acting
Did you really start out as a dancer?
Absolutely! From the tender age of 5, I was all about dance. Ballet was my first love, and it brought me so much joy. I’ve always been someone who thrives on physical activity. Anything that involves movement just lights me up. Academics? Not so much. Math wasn’t my strong suit, but when it came to physical pursuits, I was unstoppable. There’s something about moving my body that makes me feel alive and fulfilled.
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Transitioning to Acting: A Leap of Faith
When did acting enter the picture?
It happened in Chicago when I was between dance gigs. There weren’t any dancing opportunities, but there was a play audition. I’d never taken an acting class in my life, but I decided to give it a shot. The play was Come Blow Your Horn, and it turned out to be a comedy. On opening night, I heard the audience laughing, and I thought, "This is it. This is where I belong." That moment changed everything for me.
Big Breaks in Dance and Acting
What would you say was your big break?
In the dance world, it was landing a spot in the chorus of the national company of My Fair Lady. It was a dream come true. Traveling to cities like Boston and Philadelphia with the show was exhilarating. As for acting, my first soap opera role in New York was on The Secret Storm. I played Rocket, a nightclub singer who sang on camera. Let’s just say I wasn’t exactly destined for a singing career, but it was a stepping stone that opened doors.
Working with Clint Eastwood: A Legendary Experience
In 1971, I had the incredible opportunity to work with Clint Eastwood on Play Misty for Me. I’ll admit, I was absolutely starstruck. Meeting him made my heart race! But once we started working together, I realized he was not only a powerhouse but also one of the sweetest people you could ever meet. It was a truly memorable experience.
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Defining Role: Abby on Knots Landing
How did the Knots Landing audition go?
I practically begged for the role of Abby. I knew they might hesitate because I’d always played goody-two-shoes characters, but I was determined. An hour after my audition, they called and said, "You’ve got it." I knew right then that this was going to be something special.
What did you love most about playing Abby?
Everything! Abby was such a well-rounded character. She was mischievous, vulnerable, a great mother, and so much more. She wasn’t a one-dimensional caricature, which made her so much fun to play. Every day on set, I felt like I was exploring new facets of her personality.
A Cast to Remember
The Knots Landing cast was an incredible ensemble. No egos, no prima donnas—just a group of talented actors who genuinely cared about each other. We were lucky to have legends like Julie Harris and Ava Gardner join us. And of course, Joan Van Ark and Michele Lee became lifelong friends. It’s rare to find that kind of camaraderie in the industry, and it’s one of the reasons why our bond has lasted all these years.
Memories That Last a Lifetime
There are so many cherished moments from Knots Landing. Michele Lee and I had a unique dynamic. She could be assertive, but we had a relationship where we could be completely authentic with each other. There was one time when she was pushing me a bit too hard, and I just turned around and said, "You don’t do that to me!" She was taken aback, but we laugh about it now. That kind of honesty is what kept our friendship strong over the years.
Working with Ava Gardner: A True Legend
Ava Gardner was unforgettable. She was a real character—smoking, drinking, and dropping colorful language left and right. She was larger than life and so much fun to be around. After her time on Knots Landing, she fell ill and didn’t want anyone to see her when she wasn’t looking her best. That says a lot about her pride and spirit.
Becoming a Mom: The Role of a Lifetime
Why did you decide to step away from acting to focus on motherhood?
It wasn’t a tough decision. By the time I was ready to have a child, it was a bit late for me to conceive naturally. I knew adoption was the right path, and it turned out to be the most rewarding choice. Chloe came into my life when she was just four days old, and it felt like fate had brought us together. Being a mom has been the greatest joy of my life, even surpassing my love for acting.
Returning to Daytime Drama
What brought you back to daytime TV on General Hospital?
When my daughter went off to college, I felt like it was time to get back into something. I considered pursuing interior design, but it would’ve required going back to school. Around that time, General Hospital reached out. I have immense
