Ever stumbled upon someone who defies time itself, looking as vibrant and timeless as ever? That's precisely the impression 84-year-old actress Donna Mills left at a glamorous star-studded gathering, proving that age is truly just a number. But here's the twist that keeps everyone talking—how does she pull it off without going under the knife? Stick around, because we're diving deep into her secrets, and trust me, there's more to uncover than you might expect.
Recently, Donna Mills radiated elegance alongside her longtime pals and fellow Hollywood icons Alana Stewart, Morgan Fairchild, and Jaclyn Smith at the Farrah Fawcett Foundation's 2025 Tex-Mex Fiesta in Dallas, Texas. The occasion was a celebration of style and camaraderie, with these legendary women turning heads in outfits that screamed sophistication. Donna, in particular, dazzled in a striking turquoise ensemble adorned with playful fringe details and a sleek black belt that accentuated her slender figure. Her blonde locks were styled in a flawless blowout, complemented by striking eye makeup that echoed the dramatic flair of her most famous role. It was a picture of youthful energy that had everyone whispering about her eternal glow.
For those new to her story, Donna Mills isn't just another pretty face in the spotlight—she's a powerhouse talent with a career spanning decades. She became a household name playing the cunning and ambitious Abby Fairgate on the beloved soap opera Knots Landing, where she starred from 1980 to 1989. This role showcased her acting prowess and helped her carve out a spot in television history. Before that breakthrough, she dipped her toes into the industry with her film debut in the 1967 movie The Incident, followed by a three-year stint on the soap Love Is a Many Splendored Thing. But her real launch into stardom? Starring opposite the legendary Clint Eastwood in the 1971 thriller Play Misty for Me, a movie that cemented her as a force to be reckoned with.
Curious about how she maintains that youthful, ageless vibe? Donna opened up in a candid chat with First For Women magazine, emphasizing the power of wholesome eating habits. She admitted her love for indulgent treats like bread, desserts, and ice cream, but shared that carbs tend to pack on the pounds for her, so she steers clear of them as much as possible. Drawing from her days as a dancer, she highlighted the importance of loading up on protein to fuel her active lifestyle. To make it fun and sustainable, she discovered a fantastic keto cookbook and started whipping up low- and no-sugar desserts that are surprisingly scrumptious—like almond flour-based cakes or coconut milk puddings sweetened with natural alternatives. It's a smart way to enjoy sweets without the guilt, and beginners can think of keto as a diet that focuses on high-fat, moderate-protein foods while cutting back on carbs to help your body burn fat more efficiently.
Hydration, she revealed, is another game-changer she never fully appreciated until recently. 'I used to go entire days without a sip of water, and looking back, that was a huge mistake,' she confessed. Now, she's all about staying topped up for that burst of energy, recommending it as a simple yet essential tweak for anyone feeling sluggish.
When it comes to keeping her body in top shape, Donna shared her exercise routine in an interview with AARP magazine. She hits the tennis court five times a week for two-hour sessions, lucky enough to have a clay court at home, which is gentler on the joints compared to hard concrete surfaces—imagine it like playing on a softer, more forgiving ground that reduces impact and helps prevent injuries. Back at home, her personal gym setup includes light weight training, sessions on her Peloton bike for cardio, and plenty of stretching at her ballet barre to maintain flexibility. And this is the part most people miss—it's not always a breeze. Like many in her age group, she deals with arthritis that can be downright painful, but she stresses the role of discipline. 'I'm no superhero,' she said, 'but I focus on the long-term rewards.' It's a reminder that staying active is about commitment, not perfection, and for beginners, starting small—like a short walk or gentle yoga—can build habits that last.
On the skincare front, Donna's advice is straightforward and refreshingly blunt: 'Avoid the sun at all costs!' she declared, noting how it wreaks havoc on your skin over time. And here's where it gets controversial—when asked about cosmetic procedures, she firmly said no, preferring natural lines over what she calls a 'duck bill' look. In a world obsessed with fillers and facelifts, her stance sparks debate: Is embracing your wrinkles a wiser choice than chasing eternal youth through enhancements? It challenges us to rethink beauty standards and ponder if true agelessness comes from within rather than from a bottle or syringe.
Beyond her personal routines, Donna cherishes the bonds from her Knots Landing days, staying close with co-stars Joan Van Ark and Michele Lee. 'We're still tight-knit buddies, even after 40 years,' she told AARP. 'We reunite for fan events, and it's hilarious how some show up in that over-the-top eye makeup just like my character Abby!' It's heartwarming proof that Hollywood friendships can endure.
So, what do you think? Do you side with Donna on skipping the sun and cosmetic tweaks, or do you believe a little intervention is the secret to staying youthful? Share your thoughts in the comments—let's discuss if discipline, diet, and self-acceptance are the real keys to defying time, or if there's more to the story!
