Donna Mills Net Worth

What is Donna Mills' net worth?

Donna Mills is an American actress, producer, and former model who has a net worth of $9 million. Donna Mills is best known for her portrayal of scheming socialite Abby Cunningham on the primetime soap opera "Knots Landing." Over a career spanning more than five decades, Mills established herself as one of television's most recognizable and enduring faces, earning fame for her glamorous image, sharp-witted performances, and strong presence in dramas and made-for-TV movies. She became a household name during the 1980s thanks to "Knots Landing," where she embodied one of television's most iconic villains, and later continued to work steadily across genres—from thrillers and romantic dramas to modern streaming series. In addition to acting, Mills has produced television projects, launched a line of beauty products, and remained active in advocacy for women in the entertainment industry.

Early Life

Donna Jean Miller was born on December 11, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in a middle-class family; her father worked as a market researcher and her mother was a dance teacher. Mills attended Taft High School and later studied drama at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, leaving after one year to pursue acting. She began her career on stage, performing in regional theater productions and working as a dancer in Chicago nightclubs before making her way to New York City.

Early Career

Mills' professional acting debut came in the early 1960s with a role in the Broadway production of "Come Blow Your Horn," followed by appearances in daytime television. She gained her first significant exposure as a regular on the soap opera "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing," where she appeared from 1967 to 1970. Her film debut came in 1967 opposite Clint Eastwood in the thriller "Play Misty for Me," which showcased her ability to handle complex and emotionally charged roles.

After moving to Los Angeles, Mills found steady work on television. Throughout the 1970s, she appeared on numerous hit series, including "The Six Million Dollar Man," "Hawaii Five-O," "The Love Boat," and "Police Woman." Her striking looks and confident screen presence made her a frequent choice for both guest appearances and leading roles in TV movies, where she developed a reputation for playing intelligent, independent women.

Breakthrough with "Knots Landing"

Donna Mills achieved lasting fame when she joined the cast of "Knots Landing" in 1980 as Abby Cunningham, a manipulative and seductive power broker whose ambition often clashed with the show's other characters. The role transformed Mills into a pop culture icon and earned her widespread critical acclaim. Over the next nine seasons, she became one of the series' central figures, balancing ruthless scheming with subtle vulnerability.

During her tenure on the show, Mills was nominated for multiple Soap Opera Digest Awards and won three for Outstanding Villainess. Her portrayal of Abby helped define the archetype of the 1980s television femme fatale—stylish, calculating, and unapologetically ambitious. Mills left "Knots Landing" in 1989 to pursue new opportunities, though she briefly reprised the role in reunion specials decades later.

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Later Career

Following her "Knots Landing" success, Mills appeared in a string of TV movies and miniseries, including "In My Daughter's Name," "False Arrest," and "Dangerous Intentions," often portraying strong women caught in suspenseful or emotional circumstances. She also co-produced several of these projects through her own production company, illustrating her shift from performer to creative executive.

In later years, she took on roles in contemporary shows such as "General Hospital," for which she won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2015 for Outstanding Special Guest Performer. She has also appeared in "Queen Bees," "Best Mom," and Jordan Peele's film "Nope." Mills remains a respected veteran actress whose career longevity reflects her versatility and professionalism.

Entrepreneurship and Public Image

Beyond acting, Mills became a successful entrepreneur in the beauty industry. In the 1990s, she launched a line of cosmetics and skincare products designed for mature women, inspired by her own belief in age-positive confidence and self-care. She frequently appeared on talk shows and in magazines discussing beauty, fitness, and empowerment.

Known for her ageless appearance and signature blonde hair, Mills was often cited as one of television's most glamorous women. Yet she emphasized discipline and balance over vanity, famously stating that her beauty routine was rooted in "health, happiness, and hard work."

Personal Life

Mills has never married but has long been linked to producer Richard Holland. In 1994, she adopted a daughter, Chloe, whom she raised as a single mother—an experience she has described as the most fulfilling part of her life. She divides her time between acting, family life, and philanthropic work, supporting causes related to women's health and child advocacy.

Real Estate

Donna has owned her mansion in LA's Brentwood neighborhood for several decades. The home's current value is at least $7 million.

Legacy

Donna Mills' career reflects both the evolution of television drama and the enduring appeal of strong female characters. From her early days on soap operas to her era-defining role on "Knots Landing" and her later reinvention as a character actress and entrepreneur, she has remained an influential figure in entertainment. Her combination of elegance, professionalism, and tenacity has inspired generations of actresses and cemented her place as one of television's timeless icons.

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