At 79, Hayley Mills has finally opened up about her complicated feelings toward her former co-star Brian Keith, revealing that their seemingly perfect on-screen father-daughter relationship in Disney classics like The Parent Trap was far from reality. Behind the charming facade, Mills harbored deep resentment that would linger for years.
Born into a family of artists in London in 1946, Mills was destined for the spotlight. Her father, Sir John Mills, was a celebrated actor, while her mother, Mary Hayley Bell, was a talented playwright. Mills’ own acting journey began unexpectedly at just 12 years old when director Jay Lee Thompson discovered her in her home and cast her in the film Tiger Bay.
Her performance garnered immediate acclaim, including a BAFTA award, and soon, Hollywood came calling. Walt Disney himself signed her to a five-year contract after his wife urged him to see her talent.
By 1960, Mills became an international sensation with her role in Pollyanna, earning a special juvenile Academy Award. At Disney, she felt a sense of safety and support, viewing Walt as a father figure who nurtured her budding career. However, Brian Keith’s background was starkly different.
Born in 1921 in New Jersey, Keith grew up in a fractured family and faced personal tragedies, including the death of his stepmother, actress Peg Antwistle, who famously took her life at the Hollywood sign. After serving in World War II, he returned to acting, becoming known for his rugged, no-nonsense roles.
When Mills and Keith met on the set of The Parent Trap in 1961, the chemistry that captivated audiences was absent behind the scenes. The film, which relied on innovative filming techniques to portray Mills as two twins, was a demanding project for the young actress. Instead of the encouragement she craved, Mills faced Keith’s impatience and brusque demeanor.
Reports suggest he often mocked her accent and dismissed her during rehearsals, leaving Mills feeling unwelcome and small.
While audiences saw Keith as a warm, dependable father figure, Mills experienced a different reality. She later reflected that it wasn’t just one harsh moment that affected her, but a series of dismissive interactions that made her question her worth. In private letters, she expressed that Keith was the one person she found it impossible to forgive, not for a specific act, but for the way he made her feel during a challenging time in her life.
Interestingly, many of Keith’s co-stars admired his professionalism. Strong-willed actress Maureen O’Hara respected his approach, while Kathy Garver from Family 𝒶𝒻𝒻𝒶𝒾𝓇 remembered him as both tough and tender. Yet, Mills never witnessed that side of him.
At 39, Keith treated her like any adult actor, lacking the softness she needed as a teenager still under Disney’s protective wing. What O’Hara perceived as confidence, Mills absorbed as rejection, deepening her frustration with being typecast in Disney’s image of innocence.
Despite starring in several successful films throughout the 1960s, including In Search of the Castaways and That Darn Cat, Mills yearned for more serious roles. When Disney denied her that opportunity, she broke away, taking on projects like The Chalk Garden and the controversial The Family Way. Her versatility shone through in thrillers like Twisted Nerve, and she continued to act across film and television for decades, even reprising her Disney role in The Parent Trap sequels.
Today, Hayley Mills stands as a testament to resilience in the entertainment industry. Her career, spanning over 60 years, reflects her determination to redefine herself beyond the innocent image crafted by others. Yet, her experience with Brian Keith serves as a poignant reminder that even beloved films can hide painful truths.
What other stories lie behind the scenes of Hollywood’s most cherished classics?
