At 79, Hayley Mills remains a beloved figure in cinema, known for her enchanting performances in classic Disney films.

However, behind the scenes of her most famous project, “The Parent Trap,” lies a complicated and often painful relationship with co-star Brian Keith.

While their on-screen chemistry as a father-daughter duo captivated audiences, Mills has recently revealed that her experience working with Keith was far from harmonious.

This article delves into the untold story of their rocky relationship, exploring how their contrasting backgrounds and personalities collided on set, leaving lasting scars on the young actress.

 

Hayley Catherine Rose Mills was born on April 18, 1946, into a family steeped in the performing arts.

Her father, Sir John Mills, was a celebrated British actor, and her mother, Mary Hayley Bell, was a noted writer and playwright.

With such a lineage, it seemed inevitable that Hayley would gravitate toward acting.

Her entry into the film industry was serendipitous; at just 12 years old, she caught the attention of director J. Lee Thompson while he was visiting her family home.

Impressed by her natural talent, he rewrote a role in his upcoming film “Tiger Bay” specifically for her, launching her career.

 

By 1960, Hayley had become a sensation after starring in Disney’s “Pollyanna,” for which she won a special juvenile Academy Award.

This marked the beginning of her relationship with Walt Disney, who became a paternal figure in her life.

She thrived in the protective environment of the studio, which she described as warm and family-like, allowing her to flourish as Disney’s brightest star.

 

In stark contrast to Mills’ sheltered upbringing, Brian Keith’s early life was marked by instability and hardship.

Born Robert Alba Keith Jr. on November 14, 1921, in Bayonne, New Jersey, he faced a turbulent childhood defined by his parents’ tumultuous marriage and eventual divorce.

Keith briefly entered the film industry as a child, but his formative years were shadowed by tragedy, including the death of his stepmother, Peg Entwistle, a Broadway actress who famously died by suicide.

 

Keith’s defining moment came when he enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps at 19, serving bravely in World War II.

His experiences in combat shaped him into a tough, no-nonsense individual who approached acting with the same bluntness he had learned in the military.

This hardened demeanor would later clash with Mills’ youthful fragility.

 

In 1961, Mills and Keith were cast in “The Parent Trap,” a light-hearted romantic comedy that required Mills to convincingly portray two distinct characters: the mischievous California twin, Susan, and the refined Boston twin, Sharon.

The film’s success depended heavily on her ability to create a believable duality, a task that required immense concentration and precision, especially given the groundbreaking technology used to create the illusion of the twins interacting.

 

The pressure on Mills was immense. At just 14 years old, she had to master not only the technical aspects of her role but also the emotional depth required to bring her characters to life.

Unfortunately, the environment created by Keith’s blunt and impatient demeanor only added to her stress.

Keith’s approach to acting was rooted in efficiency and instinct, which often clashed with the meticulous demands of the film’s production.

Mills needed reassurance and encouragement during this demanding shoot, but instead, she found herself facing a co-star who was unsentimental and often critical.

Keith’s impatience with the multiple takes required to achieve the film’s technical precision left Mills feeling unwelcome and unsupported.

While he was known for his straightforwardness, this quality manifested as gruffness toward the young actress, who was already grappling with the pressures of stardom.

 

As filming progressed, Mills experienced a steady stream of dismissive comments and actions from Keith.

He reportedly nicknamed her “the Golden Goose,” a jab at her status as Disney’s prized star.

His eye-rolling during her requests for clarification and mocking of her British accent contributed to a growing sense of resentment.

For Mills, these seemingly small gestures accumulated, creating an environment that felt hostile rather than collaborative.

 

The culmination of these experiences left Mills feeling small and insecure.

Years later, she reflected on her time with Keith, stating, “He was difficult. He made it very clear I wasn’t welcome in his space.” This sentiment encapsulated the emotional toll that their interactions had taken on her.

Rather than feeling supported by an industry veteran, Mills felt isolated and rejected, a stark contrast to the nurturing environment she had experienced with Disney.

The most dramatic incident, rumored but unconfirmed, involved Keith allegedly losing his temper during a tense scene, slamming a chair, and storming off the set.

Whether or not this incident occurred, the larger truth remained: the emotional damage inflicted by Keith’s demeanor was profound.

Mills later admitted that he was the one person she could not forgive, not for any singular act of cruelty, but for the way he made her feel diminished in a world that was already overwhelming.

 

Despite the challenges of working with Keith, Mills continued to thrive in her career.

After the success of “The Parent Trap,” she starred in several beloved Disney films throughout the early 1960s, including “In Search of the Castaways” and “That Darn Cat.” However, she felt a growing desire to break free from the wholesome image Disney had crafted for her.

This desire led her to pursue more complex and mature roles, beginning with “The Chalk Garden” in 1964 and continuing into the late 1960s with films like “Twisted Nerve.”

 

Mills’ determination to redefine her career trajectory was fueled by her experiences with Keith. The clash with his tough persona only solidified her resolve to step outside the confines of Disney’s carefully curated image.

As she transitioned into more dramatic roles, she demonstrated her versatility as an actress, proving that she was more than just a child star.

 

Today, Hayley Mills is celebrated not only for her iconic roles but also for her resilience and ability to navigate the complexities of Hollywood.

Despite her difficult experiences with Brian Keith, she has managed to carve out a successful career that spans over six decades.

Mills has continued to act in television and film, reprising her role in “The Parent Trap” sequels and appearing in various productions that showcase her range as an actress.

 

Reflecting on her journey, Mills acknowledges the impact of her relationship with Keith.

While she has achieved remarkable success, the scars from their collaboration serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by young actors in the industry.

Her story highlights the importance of empathy and kindness in creative environments, especially for those who are still finding their footing.

 

As Mills celebrates her 79th birthday, she remains a beloved figure in entertainment, embodying the spirit of resilience and growth.

Her experiences with Brian Keith, though painful, have shaped her journey and contributed to the depth of her artistry.

In a world where the pressures of fame can often overshadow personal well-being, Mills’ story serves as a powerful testament to the importance of compassion and understanding in the pursuit of artistic excellence.

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