Actress Donna Mills, known for her role on “Knots Landing,” has recently become an internet sensation after responding to a critique about her appearance on social media. Now 85 years old, Mills addressed an Instagram user’s comment about her using “too much makeup for your age” with humor and defiance.
In a video, Mills initially appeared in her trademark glamorous style before briefly transforming into a stereotype of an elderly woman with gray hair and wire-rimmed glasses. “Did you want me to look like this?” she asked with a light laugh, adding, “Sorry, not sorry.” Reverting to her chic look, she asserted, “I like the way I look. This is my style, and style doesn’t have an expiration date.”
The video quickly spread across social media, earning over 125,000 likes and praise from celebrities like Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Kyle Richardson. Mills later appeared on the Tamron Hall Show to discuss her viral moment, which had amassed over 1.8 million views.
Mills explained that her decision to respond was about more than her appearance. “It’s about women in general and the way women feel about themselves,” she said. “I don’t accept that,” she declared regarding age-based criticism.
Reflecting on the video’s impact, Mills expressed surprise at its reach but was thankful her message connected with many. “I really feel like I have something to say to women,” Mills noted, emphasizing confidence and self-image.
During her interview, Hall asked Mills why people feel entitled to comment on women’s looks as they age. Mills responded, “It’s a new age now. We’re living longer. We’re healthier.” She emphasized that reaching milestones like 70 or 80 does not signify the end but a new beginning.
Mills emphasized the connection between self-perception and happiness, stating, “When you look good and you know you look good, you feel good.” Although she admits to moments of self-doubt, she faces them with humor: “Well, I fix it,” she told the audience, inviting laughter.
In a reflective Instagram post, Mills commented on her unexpected social media fame. “If you told me at 85 I’d be going viral on social media, I wouldn’t have believed you…but here we are,” she wrote. She shared her belief in speaking up with a friendly wink rather than a harsh jab.
Mills gained fame for her role as Abby Cunningham in “Knots Landing” and will soon return to the screen in Terrance Tykeem’s thriller “Abused.” The film, exploring the re-traumatization of abuse survivors, is set for release this summer.
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