{"id":2342,"date":"2025-06-01T10:43:33","date_gmt":"2025-06-01T09:43:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/?p=2342"},"modified":"2025-06-01T10:43:35","modified_gmt":"2025-06-01T09:43:35","slug":"this-79-year-old-actress-was-a-child-star-who-lost-her-disney-money-and-fought-bulimia-cancer-see-her-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/?p=2342","title":{"rendered":"This 79-Year-Old Actress Was a Child Star Who Lost Her Disney Money and Fought Bulimia & Cancer \u2013 See Her Now"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

he star was meant to receive money from a trust set up for her childhood earnings, but there was hardly anything left when she got to it. Despite a long and thriving career, she admitted she wouldn\u2019t have succeeded in acting if she hadn\u2019t started as a child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The veteran actress endured intense pressure as a child star and began forcing herself to vomit to satisfy adults who didn\u2019t want her to grow up \u2014 an ordeal that led to bulimia. Later in life, she was diagnosed with cancer on her birthday; now at 79, she remains active in her acting career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The actress holds a press conference at the Leicester Square Theatre on March 25, 1959 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her connection to acting began in the most natural way \u2014 at home. Surrounded by a family immersed in the arts, the young performer stepped into the film world at age 12, appearing alongside her famous father<\/u><\/a> in 1959\u2019s \u201cTiger Bay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The actress, her father, and Horst Buchholz on the set of \u201cTiger Bay,\u201d 1959 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though still a child, she recalled embracing the experience without fear, saying it simply felt like part of everyday life. With both her sister and father already working in film, and a mother who had given up acting to become a writer, creativity ran through the household.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The child star pictured on April 1, 1959 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was her mother who wrote the novel that inspired \u201cWhistle Down the Wind,\u201d filmed when the actress was just 14. At the time, she limited herself to only two films a year to maintain a sense of normalcy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The actress on the set of \u201cWhistle Down the Wind,\u201d 1961 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among her most beloved roles were parts in \u201cPollyanna\u201d and \u201cThe Parent Trap.\u201d The performance in \u201cPollyanna\u201d earned her a Juvenile Oscar<\/u><\/a> \u2014 making her the final recipient of the award. That honor placed her among an elite group of just 12 child actors, including legends like Shirley Temple, Judy Garland, and Mickey Rooney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Hollywood star on the set of in \u201cPollyanna,\u201d 1960 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The English native\u2019s success as a child actress<\/u><\/a> placed her among the most cherished young talents of her time. But with early recognition came new pressures and personal challenges \u2014 especially when stepping into adulthood on screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The actress on the set of \u201cThe Parent Trap,\u201d 1961 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winning the Juvenile Oscar left her in awe. \u201cI still can\u2019t quite believe it!\u201d she said<\/u><\/a> in an interview once, yet the honor did not bring ease or comfort. There was no room for complacency; each new role demanded proof of her abilities. She explained<\/u><\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cYou have to prove what you can do again and again. You never know with each new job if you\u2019re going to succeed or not.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The actress poses on August 15, 1962 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though widely admired in her youth, moving into adult roles came with uncertainty. The actress sensed that what audiences loved was the child she no longer was, admitting<\/u><\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know what to do or what parts to play. It\u2019s a transitional time, and I wasn\u2019t able to do it in private.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The star photographed on January 1, 1963 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fame also left her feeling<\/u><\/a> apart from others her age, \u201cI always felt a bit on the outside of other girls who had good friends and shared experiences. With such a different life, she added<\/u><\/a>, \u201cI didn\u2019t have things to share.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The actress pictured on January 5, 1964 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fame may have set her apart from her peers, but the pressure to stay perfect in the public eye carried painful consequences behind the scenes. As a young girl, the focus shifted to keeping adults pleased \u2014 especially those who didn\u2019t want her to grow up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The actress on the set of \u201cSummer Magic,\u201d 1964 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Terrified of letting them down, she began vomiting after meals to appear smaller and more childlike, which led to bulimia. A columnist in 1964 remarked on her noticeably thinner frame, describing<\/u><\/a> an eighteen-year-old who looked \u201clike the million stashed away for her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The celebrity takes part in the \u201cNight of 100 Stars\u201d on July 23, 1964, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same feature, it was noted<\/u><\/a> that she was \u201cseven pounds thinner\u201d than before, weighing 112 pounds with the comment that her figure was \u201cdistributed in the correct places.\u201d At the time, the star admitted<\/u><\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cI\u2019m trying to shrink my stomach to peanut size.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The actress on the set of \u201cThe Chalk Garden,\u201d 1964 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pressure to remain frozen in childhood took a toll, but stepping away from that image came with its own turning point. The actress in question is Hayley Mills, whose older famed sister is actress<\/u><\/a> Juliet Mills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hayley<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hayley Mills poses on January 1, 1965 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As she reached adulthood, the need for change became clear. The solution was to escape Disney. When Hayley, the daughter of Sir John Mills and Mary Bell, turned 20, her contract expired, and she chose not to renew it.<\/a> Leaving Disney was only one part of reclaiming her independence \u2014 another disappointment surfaced when she turned 21.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hayley<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hayley Mills pictured in her flat on November 1, 1966, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At that point, Hayley was finally granted access to a trust fund that had been created to hold her childhood earnings. But the account held very little. A staggering 91 percent tax<\/u><\/a>, imposed by the British government to help rebuild after the war, had nearly wiped it out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hayley<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hayley Mills photographed on May 13, 1967 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For years, she tried to challenge the outcome, but her appeal was permanently denied in 1975. Had the ruling gone in her favor, the film star estimated she would have kept around \u00a32 million \u2014 worth well over $2.5 million today. \u201cI never saw it,\u201d Hayley said<\/u><\/a> in an interview, accepting what had long passed, she added<\/u><\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cI knew it was there and one day I would have it, but it was just sort of a dream, and then one day the dream was gone. Occasionally, I think: It would have been nice if I had the freedom to say no.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"Hayley<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hayley Mills attends Cosmopolitan magazine\u2019s Fun, Fearless, Female Luncheon on February 7, 2000 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The loss of her childhood earnings was a heavy blow, but it wouldn\u2019t be the last time Hayley faced a life-altering moment. Years later, another trial arrived \u2014 one that tested her in an entirely different way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hayley<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hayley Mills attends the opening of \u201cBelfast Blues\u201d on January 20, 2005, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2008, on her 62nd birthday, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The news felt surreal, almost like stepping into a distorted painting. She recalled<\/u><\/a> in another interview:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cMy reaction was: This is the biggest challenge I\u2019ve ever had. I\u2019m going to find out what I\u2019m made of, and I probably need this because I\u2019m going to learn a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"Hayley<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hayley Mills attends a plaque unveiling for Sir john Mills on May 9, 2010, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That moment changed everything. \u201cIt was an enormous shock. Suddenly, I looked out at the world as if I\u2019d never seen it before,\u201d said<\/u><\/a> Haley in one interview. After learning that cancer had affected both breasts, she underwent surgery without delay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hayley<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hayley Mills attends the TV Choice Awards on September 7, 2015, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The toll of treatment came swiftly. Within two weeks of her first session, her hair began to fall out. Wanting to take control of the moment, she turned to her son, Jason Lawson. \u201cI got to a point when I thought, \u2018To hell with this,\u2019 so he shaved my head!\u201d she remembered<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hayley<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hayley Mills attends the Off-Broadway Meet & Greet Photocall for the cast of \u201cParty Face\u201d on November 18, 2017, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even then, she kept<\/a> her sense of humor and warmth, \u201cI had a marvelous wig and at night I wore a pink woolly bobble hat because my head got cold.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hayley<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hayley Mills at the Opening Night of \u201cParty Face\u201d on January 22, 2018, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While maintaining her optimism and kindness, the road ahead was far from easy. Determined to recover, Hayley began chemotherapy<\/u><\/a> \u2014 but the reality of it hit harder than she expected. After only three sessions, she made the decision to stop. The star shared<\/u><\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cIt made me feel awful. I was more frightened of the chemo than the cancer. I could feel it draining me and killing me. I felt I was dying.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"Hayley<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hayley Mills at the TV Choice Awards on September 9, 2019, London, England. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of centering her own struggles, Hayley found strength in thinking about those she cared for. She believed it was important to make things easier for loved ones, which, in turn, helped her cope. The experience changed her perspective on time, deepening her appreciation for life and the people around her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hayley<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hayley Mills during the 60th Anniversary: Whistle Down the Wind photocall on October 3, 2021, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When asked whether she was in remission in one other interview, she said<\/u><\/a>, \u201cAbsolutely. Remission sounds like, \u2018Oh well, it can come back.\u2019 No. It\u2019s over.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hayley<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hayley Mills attends the UK Premiere of \u201cThe Little Mermaid,\u201d 2023 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now healthy and cancer-free, Hayley credits her recovery to alternative treatments she explored instead. While she stands by her choice, she emphasizes that her approach was deeply personal and may not be right for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hayley<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hayley Mills attends the world premiere of \u201cTrap,\u201d 2024 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choosing her own path to healing brought not only restored health, but also a deep sense of peace \u2014 one grounded in love, family, and the lessons that only time can teach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/if-cdn.com\/eGwDNGX?_showcaption=false&app=1\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Surrounded by the people who mean the most to her \u2014 sister Juliet, sons Crispian Mills and Jason, and longtime partner Firdous Bamji \u2014 Hayley embraces joy in the simplest of moments. \u201cI feel like I was waiting my whole life to meet him,\u201d she said<\/u><\/a> of Bamji, her companion of more than twenty years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/if-cdn.com\/WnQz6Ra?_showcaption=false&app=1\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Looking back, she spoke candidly about the challenges of balancing motherhood with a demanding career. The veteran actress shared<\/a> guidance for parents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cIf there\u2019s ever any doubt about taking a job or spending time with your children \u2014 do the latter.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/if-cdn.com\/84Gs9Gw?_showcaption=false&app=1\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While she remains proud of her two sons, the doting parent admits<\/u><\/a> they faced difficult times in her absence, \u201cThey\u2019ve survived, and they\u2019re both wonderful men who I\u2019m incredibly proud of, but they didn\u2019t have an easy time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/if-cdn.com\/0zUEPzK?_showcaption=false&app=1\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When she was 71, Hayley cherished the present more than ever. She found that age brings clarity. The star appreciated everything more deeply and understood the value of living in the moment \u2014 grateful and unafraid to show love to those who mattered most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/if-cdn.com\/tguVv6s?_showcaption=false&app=1\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From child stardom to personal battles, Hayley\u2019s journey has been shaped by both triumph and hardship. Through it all, she has remained grounded in love, family, and an enduring passion for her craft. Now at 79, she continues to embrace life with grace, gratitude, and unwavering honesty.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

he star was meant to receive money from a trust set up for her childhood earnings, but there was hardly anything left when she got […]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2342","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2342","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2342"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2342\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2343,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2342\/revisions\/2343"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2342"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2342"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2342"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}