Knots Landing star Donna Mills, 85, has barely aged a day in new photo — 45 years after her iconic role


Donna Mills was Knots Landing's most iconic villainess through the '80s, but these new photos show she's just as glamorous today


Donna Mills pictured in 1980.© CBS via Getty Images
Daisy Finch
Daisy FinchAudience Writer
57 minutes ago

Donna Mills appeared on Knots Landing for more than a decade in a star role as iconic villainess Abby Cunningham, earning three Soap Opera Digest Awards as their Outstanding Villainess in 1986, 1988 and 1989. We're catching up with the star, charting her most iconic roles, and raising an acting star in daughter Chloe...

Donna Mills pictured in 2026.© Getty Images for Farrah Fawcett Foundation

Donna recently showed off her timeless glamour

New red carpet moment

Donna proved her lasting glamour on the red carpet in a tie-fronted, champagne gown. She arrived in support of the Farrah Fawcett Foundation Tex-Mex Fiesta on September 24, 2026, held at The Rustic in Dallas.

With her hair perfectly coiffed into matching golden waves, Donna showed that she is still just as glamorous as in her '80s hit role. 

Actress Donna Mills poses for a portrait in 1986 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry Langdon/Getty Images)  © Getty Images

Dallas spin-off Knots Landing made Donna an '80s star

Knots Landing stardom

Dallas spin-off Knots Landing followed middle Ewing brother Gary and his wife Valene through their new life on the California coast, in a cul-de-sac called Seaview Circle.

The recently divorced Abby Cunningham moves into the neighbourhood with her two children and soon causes chaos, going on to tie the knot with Gary Ewing.

Donna Mills from 'Play Misty For Me' 1971. © Getty Images

Donna debuted on screen in The Secret Storm

Start on screen

Donna made her on-screen debut on two episodes of The Secret Storm in 1966 as Rocket, followed by a feature film role in The Incident (1967).

Between 1967 and 1973, Donna found earlier soap opera fame with a star role in more than 1400 episodes of Love is a Many Splendored Thing as Laura Donnelly. 

Donna Mills and Larry Gilman pictured in 2026.© Getty Images

Donna has been dating actor Larry Gilman since 2001

Love life

While she's never married, Donna has been involved in several high profile relationships. She dated advertising executive Richard Holland, Chaka Khan's ex-husband, for around 20 years between 1979 and 1999.

Donna started dating actor and producer Larry Gilman in 2001, with both deciding not to marry, instead prioritising their independence.

Donna Mills and her daughter Chloe pictured in 2022.© Getty Images

Chloe Mills is an actress like her mother

Daughter Chloe

Born on September 12, 1994, Chloe Mills was adopted by Donna at four days old. Donna's long-term partner Larry has been part of her life since a young age, acting as a father figure to the young actress.

Chloe has pursued work as an actor, first appearing in 2021 short film Aftermath. In 2023, she worked on Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas, playing mother Donna's on-screen daughter.

Donna Mills attends Netflix's Frankenstein LA Tastemaker Event at San Vicente Bungalows on November 18, 2025 in West Hollywood, California.  (Photo by Araya Doheny/Getty Images for Netflix)© Getty Images for Netflix

Donna is still busy on screen today

What's she doing now?

Donna is still acting today, with recent roles including horror feature Nope (2022), a 32-episode run on General Hospital, and episode appearances in NCIS and Doctor Odyssey. 

Per IMDb, Donna is set to appear in upcoming thriller Abused, alongside James Russo and Donnamarie Davis.

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