The Ageless Icon: 7 Surprising New Projects And Secrets Of Donna Mills In 2025

Donna Mills, the timeless television icon best known for her unforgettable portrayal of the scheming Abby Cunningham on the hit primetime soap opera Knots Landing, continues to defy expectations and remain highly active in Hollywood as of December 12, 2025. Far from retirement, the actress is currently embarking on a wave of new projects, including a highly anticipated podcast and a guest role on a major network series, proving her career is far from over.

The star, who captivated millions with her dramatic flair, is leveraging her iconic status to connect with a new generation of fans while delighting longtime admirers. From reuniting with former castmates to sharing her personal life and beauty secrets, Mills is ensuring her legacy remains vibrant and relevant in the current entertainment landscape.

Donna Mills: Complete Biography and Profile

Donna Mills, born Donna Jean Miller, is an acclaimed American actress and producer whose career spans over six decades. She is celebrated for her work in film and television, with her role as Abby Cunningham being the most defining of her career. The following is a detailed look at her life and achievements:

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• Full Name: Donna Jean Miller
• Date of Birth: December 11, 1940
• Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Occupation: Actress, Producer
• Iconic Role: Abby Fairgate Cunningham Ewing Sumner on Knots Landing (1980–1989, 1993)
• Early Career Highlights: Began her television career in 1966 with a recurring role on the soap opera The Secret Storm, followed by a starring role as ex-nun Laura Donnelly in Love is a Many Splendid Thing (1967–1970).
• Personal Life: Mills is in a long-term relationship with her partner, Larry Gilman, a producer and actor.
• Motherhood: In 1994, at the age of 54, she adopted her daughter, Chloe Mills, which she has frequently referred to as the "best moment" of her entire life.
• Recent Filmography (Selected): Joy (2015), Carol of the Bells (2019), Nope (2022), Origin (2023).

The Latest Buzz: Mills’ 2024-2025 Projects and TV Appearances

Retirement is simply not in Donna Mills' vocabulary. The veteran actress continues to take on challenging and fun roles, demonstrating her versatility and enduring star power. Her recent projects focus on both scripted drama and the booming world of podcasting and fan events.

The Knots Landing Reunion: "We're Knot Done Yet" Podcast

One of the most exciting developments for fans is the launch of the podcast We're Knot Done Yet. Mills has reunited with her legendary co-stars from the fictional cul-de-sac of Seaview Circle, Michele Lee (Karen Fairgate MacKenzie) and Joan Van Ark (Valene Ewing), to host the show. The podcast offers a deep dive into the groundbreaking history of Knots Landing, sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes and candidly discussing the show's impact on their lives and on television. The trio also tackles current topics, proving that the bond between the "Ladies of Knots Landing" is as strong as ever.

Guest Starring on ABC’s Doctor Odyssey

Mills recently made a splash with a guest-starring role on the ABC nautical mystery series, Doctor Odyssey, which stars Joshua Jackson as Dr. Max Bankman. Her appearance was part of a themed episode titled "Sophisticated Ladies" (sometimes referred to as "Cougar Week"), where she shared the screen with fellow television icon Jaclyn Smith. The role was noted for a storyline that included a number of romantic scenes, a fun nod to her history of dramatic and seductive roles.

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Continuing Work in Limited Series and Film

Mills has consistently chosen roles that keep her active across different genres. She recently starred in the Lifetime limited series VC Andrews: Dawn, a project that allowed her to explore a new dramatic landscape. Furthermore, her work in recent films like Jordan Peele’s critically acclaimed horror movie Nope (2022) and Ava DuVernay's biographical drama Origin (2023) showcases her willingness to take on diverse, modern roles, cementing her status as a versatile character actress.

The Enduring Legacy of Abby Cunningham and Knots Landing

No discussion of Donna Mills is complete without acknowledging her monumental run as Abby Cunningham. From 1980 to 1989, Mills' portrayal of the manipulative, ambitious, and utterly compelling character defined the role of the primetime soap villainess. Abby was the ultimate schemer, a character audiences loved to hate, and her presence was a driving force behind the show's success alongside stars like Michele Lee and Joan Van Ark.

Her work on the show earned her immense critical praise and an enduring place in television history. The character of Abby Cunningham remains a key reference point in discussions of television antagonists, a testament to Mills' powerful performance. The continued interest in the show is evident, as Mills, Van Ark, and Lee are scheduled to participate in a major Knots Landing cast reunion at The Hollywood Show in 2025.

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Beauty and Wellness Secrets in Her 80s

Mills has also made headlines recently by sharing her secrets to maintaining her youthful appearance and energy. In early 2024, she discussed her commitment to fitness and the essential changes she makes to her routine to stay healthy. Her dedication to wellness and her candid approach to aging gracefully have made her an inspiration to fans worldwide. She is a firm believer that staying active and engaged—both physically and professionally—is key to a long and successful life.

From her dramatic beginnings on The Secret Storm to her current projects, Donna Mills’ career is a masterclass in longevity. With a new podcast, a high-profile guest role, and continued work in film, she is not just resting on her laurels but actively building on an already legendary career. The excitement surrounding her 2025 appearances and projects proves that for this Hollywood icon, the best is truly yet to come.