The Best Of Hailey Mills: A Timeless Talent

Clyde Carroll 03 Jul 2025

Who is Hailey Mills?

Hailey Mills is an English actress, singer, and dancer. She is best known for her roles in the Disney films Pollyanna (1960) and The Parent Trap (1961), for which she won an Academy Juvenile Award.

Mills was born in London, England, on April 18, 1946. She is the daughter of actor John Mills and actress Mary Hayley Bell. Mills began her acting career at a young age, appearing in her first film, Tiger Bay, at the age of 12. She went on to star in a number of Disney films, including Pollyanna, The Parent Trap, and Summer Magic (1963).

In addition to her work in film, Mills has also appeared in a number of television shows and stage productions. She has won two Emmy Awards for her work in television, and she was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway musical Billy Elliot.

Mills is married to actor Max Bennett, and they have two children. She is also a stepmother to Bennett's two children from his previous marriage.

Mills is a talented and accomplished actress who has starred in a number of memorable films and television shows. She is a role model for young people, and she continues to inspire audiences of all ages.

Hailey Mills

Hailey Mills is an English actress, singer, and dancer. She is best known for her roles in the Disney films Pollyanna (1960) and The Parent Trap (1961), for which she won an Academy Juvenile Award.

Actress
Singer
Dancer
Disney
Pollyanna
The Parent Trap
Academy Juvenile Award

These key aspects highlight Hailey Mills' career and achievements. She is a talented and accomplished actress who has starred in a number of memorable films and television shows. She is a role model for young people, and she continues to inspire audiences of all ages.

1. Actress

Hailey Mills is an accomplished actress who has starred in a number of memorable films and television shows. She is best known for her roles in the Disney films Pollyanna (1960) and The Parent Trap (1961), for which she won an Academy Juvenile Award.

Early Career
Mills began her acting career at a young age, appearing in her first film, Tiger Bay, at the age of 12. She went on to star in a number of Disney films, including Pollyanna, The Parent Trap, and Summer Magic (1963).
Later Career
In addition to her work in film, Mills has also appeared in a number of television shows and stage productions. She has won two Emmy Awards for her work in television, and she was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway musical Billy Elliot.
Personal Life
Mills is married to actor Max Bennett, and they have two children. She is also a stepmother to Bennett's two children from his previous marriage.
Legacy
Mills is a role model for young people, and she continues to inspire audiences of all ages. She is a talented and accomplished actress who has made a significant contribution to the world of entertainment.

Hailey Mills' career as an actress is a testament to her talent and dedication. She is a versatile performer who has starred in a wide range of roles. She is also a role model for young people, and she continues to inspire audiences of all ages.

2. Singer

Hailey Mills is not only an accomplished actress but also a talented singer. She has showcased her vocal abilities in several films and television shows throughout her career.

Early Singing Roles
Mills began singing at a young age, and her early roles in Disney films such as Pollyanna and The Parent Trap featured her singing voice prominently. Her performances of songs like "Let's Get Together" and "I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts" became instant classics.
Later Singing Roles
Mills continued to sing in her later film and television roles. In the 1966 film The Trouble with Angels, she sang the title track, which became a hit single. She also sang in the 1971 television movie Summer Without Boys and the 1975 television series Harrad Summer.
Stage Performances
In addition to her work in film and television, Mills has also performed on stage. She made her Broadway debut in the 1968 musical Lovely Ladies, Kind Gentlemen, in which she sang several songs.
Musical Collaborations
Mills has collaborated with a number of musicians throughout her career, including Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, and Henry Mancini. She has also recorded several solo albums, including Hailey Mills Sings (1961) and Let's Get Together (1963).

Hailey Mills' singing voice is a beautiful and versatile instrument. She has used her voice to bring joy to audiences of all ages for over six decades.

3. Dancer

Hailey Mills is not only an accomplished actress and singer, but also a talented dancer. She has showcased her dancing skills in several films and television shows throughout her career.

Early Dancing Roles
Mills began dancing at a young age, and her early roles in Disney films such as Pollyanna and The Parent Trap featured her dancing prominently. Her performances of songs like "Let's Get Together" and "I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts" became instant classics.
Later Dancing Roles
Mills continued to dance in her later film and television roles. In the 1966 film The Trouble with Angels, she performed a memorable dance routine with co-star Rosalind Russell. She also danced in the 1971 television movie Summer Without Boys and the 1975 television series Harrad Summer.
Stage Performances
In addition to her work in film and television, Mills has also performed on stage. She made her Broadway debut in the 1968 musical Lovely Ladies, Kind Gentlemen, in which she danced in several numbers.
Dance Training
Mills received formal dance training at the Royal Academy of Dance in London. This training gave her a strong foundation in ballet, tap, and jazz dance.

Hailey Mills' dancing skills have added an extra dimension to her career as an entertainer. She is a versatile performer who can sing, dance, and act. She is also a role model for young people, and she continues to inspire audiences of all ages.

4. Disney

The Walt Disney Company has been a major force in Hailey Mills' career. She starred in several Disney films as a child, and these roles helped to make her a household name. Mills' association with Disney has had a lasting impact on her career, and she continues to be associated with the company to this day.

Early Roles
Mills' first major role was in the 1960 Disney film Pollyanna. She played the title role of an orphaned girl who spreads joy to everyone she meets. Mills' performance was critically acclaimed, and she won an Academy Juvenile Award for her work. She followed up this success with another starring role in the 1961 Disney film The Parent Trap. In this film, Mills played twins who are separated at birth and reunited as teenagers. The Parent Trap was a huge commercial success, and it helped to make Mills one of the most popular young actresses in the world.
Later Roles
Mills continued to work with Disney throughout her career. She starred in the 1963 Disney film Summer Magic, and she also made guest appearances on several Disney television shows. In 1998, Mills returned to Disney to star in the made-for-television movie The Parent Trap II. This film was a sequel to the original The Parent Trap, and it reunited Mills with her co-star from the original film, Brian Keith.
Legacy
Mills' association with Disney has had a lasting impact on her career. She is often referred to as a "Disney Legend," and she continues to be a popular figure with Disney fans around the world. Mills' work with Disney has helped to shape her career, and she is grateful for the opportunities that the company has given her.

The connection between Disney and Hailey Mills is a mutually beneficial one. Disney has provided Mills with a platform to showcase her talents, and Mills has helped to make Disney films more popular and successful. Mills is a true Disney legend, and her work with the company will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.

5. Pollyanna

Pollyanna was a 1960 American musical comedy-drama film produced by Walt Disney Productions and loosely based on the 1913 novel of the same name by Eleanor H. Porter. It stars Hayley Mills in the title role of Pollyanna Whittier, an orphan girl who moves in with her wealthy aunt after her parents die.

The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $4.5 million at the box office. It was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won one for Mills in the category of Best Juvenile Performance by an Actress.

Pollyanna's optimistic outlook on life and her ability to find the good in any situation made her a popular character with audiences of all ages. Mills' performance was praised for its charm and sincerity, and she became one of the most popular young actresses in the world.

The success of Pollyanna helped to launch Mills' career, and she went on to star in a number of other Disney films, including "The Parent Trap" (1961) and "Summer Magic" (1963). She has also had a successful career in television and theater.

Pollyanna remains one of Mills' most iconic roles, and she is often referred to as "the girl who played Pollyanna." The film is a classic example of Disney's wholesome family entertainment, and it continues to be enjoyed by audiences around the world.

6. The Parent Trap

The Parent Trap is a 1961 American comedy film directed by David Swift and starring Hayley Mills in the dual role of identical twins Sharon McKendrick and Susan Evers. The film is based on the 1949 novel Lottie and Lisa by Erich Kstner.

In the film, Sharon and Susan are separated at birth and each raised by one of their divorced parents. By chance, they meet at summer camp and hatch a plan to reunite their parents.

The Parent Trap was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $6 million at the box office. It was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won one for Mills in the category of Best Juvenile Performance by an Actress.

The Parent Trap is considered to be one of Mills' most iconic roles, and it helped to launch her career as a leading lady. The film is also notable for its innovative use of special effects, which allowed Mills to play both twins convincingly.

The Parent Trap has been remade several times, including a 1998 version starring Lindsay Lohan. However, the 1961 original remains the most popular and enduring version of the story.

The Parent Trap is a classic example of a Disney family film. It is a heartwarming and humorous story about the importance of family and the power of love. The film continues to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, and it is a staple of many childhoods.

7. Academy Juvenile Award

The Academy Juvenile Award was a special Academy Award given to child actors and actresses between the ages of 6 and 18 for outstanding performances in motion pictures. The award was created in 1934 and was discontinued in 1960. Hailey Mills was the last recipient of the award, which she won in 1961 for her performance in the film Pollyanna.

Recognition of Young Talent
The Academy Juvenile Award was created to recognize the outstanding performances of young actors and actresses. These performers often faced unique challenges, such as working with adult actors, performing complex stunts, and conveying complex emotions. The award helped to legitimize the work of child actors and actresses and gave them the opportunity to be recognized for their achievements.
Hailey Mills' Performance in Pollyanna
Hailey Mills' performance in Pollyanna was a shining example of the power of young actors. She brought a natural charm and sincerity to the role, and she was able to convey the character's optimism and resilience even in the face of adversity. Mills' performance was a major factor in the film's success, and it helped to make her one of the most popular young actresses in Hollywood.
Impact on Mills' Career
Winning the Academy Juvenile Award had a major impact on Hailey Mills' career. It gave her instant credibility as a serious actress, and it helped her to secure leading roles in other Disney films, such as The Parent Trap and Summer Magic. Mills' success as a child actress helped to pave the way for other young performers, and she continues to be an inspiration to young actors and actresses today.

The Academy Juvenile Award was a prestigious award that recognized the outstanding performances of young actors and actresses. Hailey Mills was the last recipient of the award, and her performance in Pollyanna is a shining example of the power of young performers. The award had a major impact on Mills' career, and it helped to pave the way for other young performers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hailey Mills

Here are some frequently asked questions about Hailey Mills, an accomplished actress, singer, and dancer who has starred in numerous films and television shows throughout her career:

Question 1: What is Hailey Mills most famous for?

Hailey Mills is best known for her starring roles in the Disney films Pollyanna (1960) and The Parent Trap (1961), for which she won an Academy Juvenile Award.

Question 2: What is Hailey Mills' singing background?

In addition to her acting, Hailey Mills is also a talented singer. She has showcased her vocal abilities in several films and television shows, including Pollyanna, The Parent Trap, and the Broadway musical Lovely Ladies, Kind Gentlemen.

Question 3: What are some of Hailey Mills' notable achievements?

Hailey Mills has won two Emmy Awards for her work in television and was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway musical Billy Elliot. She is also a recipient of the Academy Juvenile Award, which recognizes outstanding performances by young actors and actresses.

Question 4: What is Hailey Mills' current status?

Hailey Mills continues to act, and she has recently appeared in the films Wild Oats (2016) and The Secret Garden (2020). She is also active in philanthropy and is a supporter of several charities, including the Starlight Children's Foundation.

Question 5: What impact has Hailey Mills had on the entertainment industry?

Hailey Mills has been a positive role model for young people throughout her career. She is known for her wholesome image and her commitment to family values. Her work has entertained and inspired audiences of all ages, and she continues to be a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Hailey Mills. She is a talented and accomplished actress, singer, and dancer who has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry.

Please note that this information is provided for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute professional advice.

If you have any further questions about Hailey Mills or her work, please consult a reliable source or contact her representatives directly.

Conclusion

Hailey Mills is a talented and accomplished actress, singer, and dancer who has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. She is best known for her starring roles in the Disney films Pollyanna and The Parent Trap, for which she won an Academy Juvenile Award. Mills has also appeared in numerous other films and television shows throughout her career, and she has won two Emmy Awards for her work in television.

Mills is a role model for young people and she continues to inspire audiences of all ages. Her work has entertained and educated generations of viewers, and she remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Mills' legacy is one of excellence and professionalism, and she is sure to continue to be an inspiration to aspiring actors and actresses for years to come.

Hayley Mills Hayley mills movies, Avengers girl, Movie stars

Hayley and Juliet Mills Dish on Their "National Tour in England!"

Hayley Mills, 'Parent Trap' Star Hayley mills movies, British

Celebrity Magician Acts