Sophia Rose is here with a non-fiction review for you. Learn more about the memoir from the iconic Disney actress Hayley Mills. Forever Young by Hayley Mills, narrated by the actress herself.
by Hayley Mills
Narrator: Hayley Mills
Length: 10 hours
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Iconic actress Hayley Mills shares personal memories from her storied childhood, growing up in a famous acting family and becoming a Disney child star, trying to grow up in a world that wanted her to stay forever young.
The daughter of acclaimed British actor Sir John Mills was still a preteen when she began her acting career and was quickly thrust into the spotlight. Under the wing of Walt Disney himself, Hayley Mills was transformed into one of the biggest child starlets of the 1960s through her iconic roles in Pollyanna, The Parent Trap, and many more. She became one of only twelve actors in history to be bestowed with the Academy Juvenile Award, presented at the Oscars by its first recipient, Shirley Temple, and went on to win a number of awards including a Golden Globe, multiple BAFTAs, and a Disney Legacy Award.
Now, in her charming and forthright memoir, she provides a unique window into when Hollywood was still 'Tinseltown' and the great Walt Disney was at his zenith, ruling over what was (at least in his own head) still a family business. This behind-the-scenes look at the drama of having a sky-rocketing career as a young teen in an esteemed acting family will offer both her childhood impressions of the wild and glamorous world she was swept into, and the wisdom and broader knowledge that time has given her. Hayley will delve intimately into her relationship with Walt Disney, as well as the emotional challenges of being bound to a wholesome, youthful public image as she grew into her later teen years, and how that impacted her and her choices--including marrying a producer over 30 years her senior when she was 20! With her regrets, her joys, her difficulties, and her triumphs, this is a compelling read for any fan of classic Disney films and an inside look at a piece of real Hollywood history.
Sophia Rose’s Review
Childhood wouldn’t have been so golden without such films as Pollyanna, The Parent Trap, and That Darn Cat, and then there was that clever, atmospheric Endless Night that gave me some good chills as a teen. So, when I spotted the memoir of the sunny-faced actress that made these and other gems possible, I was jazzed to pick it up and delve right in.
Hayley Mills came of an acting father and a script-writing mother, a thespian older sister, film-making younger brother, and surrounded by daddy and mummy’s close friends in the trade. Unlike her sister, Juliet, Hayley hadn’t had any particular plans to get into acting until one of her father’s acquaintances spotted her and decided she was perfect for the main child actor part in British film, Tiger Bay. Even then she thought it was simply a lark and went back boarding school and life on the family farm without a backward glance. Hailey was the middle child and happy to let life happen around her. Her parents gave her and her siblings a stable, loving childhood, though Hayley points out that their relationship and their work were priorities that she registered even as a young child. Tiger Bay was well received and was the vehicle that got her in Walt Disney’s eye.
Disney wanted her for Pollyanna, but insisted on signing her to a six-film contract over the next seven years. Her parents were ambivalent about that on her behalf because it would lock her into a career that would take up the rest of her childhood, but they consulted Hailey after making it clear what would be involved. Eventually, she was making movie magic, dealing with adolescence, the woes of fitting school around an acting career, fame, and how it affected family life especially with her dad’s film career tugging the family in two different directions. Hayley grew up on and off screen, but found that living up to peoples’ ideals and her own made for a big challenge and finding her feet as an adult and an acting career as well as adult relationships would be hardest of all.
This memoir hit the spot for me. Mostly, this is because I went in wanting the life of a child actress with enough personal and family background to set it in context. I didn’t read it to get a deep dive into another person’s life. Hayley was forthright about her family, her personality, her struggles, and her own choices that sometimes led to mistakes, but the memoir winds up when the child actress feels that she has finally finished with childhood and has a strong foothold on the path of adulthood with a relationship and a child as well as an adult career. Some might want to know what happened in the intervening years to the present, but that was not addressed and, I honestly didn’t expect it based on the title and blurb, but I thought I should mention it in case others do.
It was enough to learn what such a life was like: behind the scenes on some films including her Disney ones, the rarified atmosphere she was in when she thought of Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh as Uncle Larry and Aunt Vivian, when she was friendly with the Beatles including a date with George and went to the same parties as The Rat Pack, and some of her struggles that she had to overcome like feeling less educated than others since she never finished school, weight struggles, shyness and inadequacy, a mother’s depression and alcoholism, loss of her childhood earnings, and struggles of failed relationships.
The author’s writing style took just the right tone. It was engaging and in balance with her personality and her experiences. There was some fun, some sad, and much in between. The end wrapped up swiftly, but in a logical place. I felt I learned a lot about Hayley Mills as a person and an actress, so I was well-pleased with this memoir and would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy memories of entertainment personalities or simply want to read about Hayley Mills growing up.
Take a trip down memory lane with Sophia Rose's review of Forever Young: A Memoir by Hayley Mills #DisneyActress #Audiobook #Pollyana #TheParentTrap #HsyleyMills Share on X
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About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lorna
She was a big favorite of mine when I was young. I think I probably saw all her movies. Interesting and horrible that she lost all her childhood earnings. I hope her parents weren’t involved in that!
Sophia Rose
Thankfully no, it had something to do with British tax law and entertainers. Sounds like her legal adviser dropped the ball more than anything, but she was even gracious with them.
Rachel
I think I remember Endless Night! It may not have had a good ending. I don’t think I ever watched the version with her in The Parent Trap. The newer one for sure. It sounds like an interesting account and nice that the actress narrated it herself.
Sophia Rose
Yes, it was an Agatha Christie and had that big twist and weird ending.
Oh really? You really must. She was fun in the role of the twin sisters. 🙂
I really enjoyed getting her thoughts on her childhood, teens, and young adulthood.
Katherine
I don’t really know that much about Hayley Mills but I really like the sound of this – especially that she’s so forthright about her past. I’m adding this to my TBR!
Sophia Rose
I had only watched a half dozen of her films, but was curious about her since I did know her dad was a big actor, too. Glad to hook you in, Katherine.
Pek Sim Koay
I don’t usually read memoirs, mainly it is their path in life. But I am glad you liked it
Sophia Rose
I should read more, but I don’t read that many either. I did indeed love this one, thanks! 🙂
RO
I love a good memoir, and it’s great to get the history and backstories of some of my favorite characters in movies. Such a great review, and this on my list to grab. Hope you’re both doing well ladies and sending hugs, RO
Sophia Rose
I wish I picked up more memoirs than I do. This one was wonderful. Doing great and wishing you the same, Radiant Ro!
Lover of Romance
oh this review is definitely taking me a trip down memory lane Sophia. I love seeing you love this book. I didn’t even know this existed. But I just ordered it 🙂 I can’t wait to read it.
Pollyanna has always been one of my all time favorites. Such a classic actress.
Sophia Rose
It was a wonderful trip to my childhood. Yay, glad you’re going to grab it. I think you’ll love it, Renee!
Debbie Haupt
Fantastic review Sophia Rose I just ordered it!
Sophia Rose
How fun! Can’t wait to see what you think.
Ethan
I can’t resist a good memoir. I only know of Mills from The Parent Trap, so it would be interesting to read more about her life and career!
Sophia Rose
There are some people that are so fascinating. 🙂
Maureen @ Maureen's Books
I haven’t read much memoirs. But I must say this one sounds very good.
Sophia Rose
I don’t read them much, either, but I loved her movies so it was an easy sell for me. 🙂
Mary Kirkland
Living that kid of life as a kid I’m sure is hard.
Sophia Rose
She didn’t dwell on it in the book, but she made it clear how complicated it really was for her and the life wasn’t full of glam.
Wendy Williams
Oh man, you took me down memory lane with this review! I loved her movies, and especially The Parent Trap. And I remember her sister Juliet in Nanny and the Professor. This sounds like a wonderful book, and your review is awesome! I want to read this!
Sophia Rose
Yay! Glad to get you excited about her book, Wendy. Parent Trap is a golden favorite of mine. Fun that you got to see her sister’s piece, too.
Anne - Books of My Heart
I’m sure I would love, love this. I am a big fan and have all those Disney movies on VHS or DVD or both. Great review Sophia!
Sophia Rose
I am convinced you’d enjoy it, too. I want to go back and watch the movies now that I’ve read her side of things from behind the scenes. 🙂
Silvia
I always loved her acting, and her childhood roles where also part of my childhood. So, as you can imagine, this sounds like quite the interesting memoir to me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Sophia Rose
Sure thing, Silvia! It was fun getting her story about behind the scenes during the time she was making all those movies. 🙂
Nadene
I remember watching her version of The Parent Trap, which is way better than the remake.
Sophia Rose
Loved her in that one, and, agreed, Nadene! 🙂
Melliane
Her name doesn’t ring a bell I confess
Sophia Rose
Would love to see what you think of her movies, Melliane. 🙂
Kathryn Trask
Interesting, Ioved her in the childhood roles she undertook. Part of my childhood! As a child I didn’t think what her life might be like. Thanks for listening and sharing this.
Sophia Rose
I didn’t give much thought to what life was like for child actors, either, until I was older. This was interesting to see what she had to say about it.