Donna Mills Became Single Mom at 54 & Found Love with ‘M*A*S*H’ Star 7 Years Later
|Donna Mills surprised her fans when she made a life-altering decision to step away from acting in her middle age and embrace full-time motherhood to her daughter, Chloe. This marked a significant shift in her priorities, leading her to navigate the complexities of motherhood while also finding love and fulfillment.
Beginning her acting journey in 1966 with “Secret Storm,” Mills ventured into various relationships over the years, including romances with fellow actor Vic Vallario and film producer Allen Adler. However, it was her relationship with Richard Holland, Chaka Khan’s ex-husband, that resulted in the birth of her son, Damian.
Holland, a rock guitarist turned commercial executive and writer-producer, had a markedly different personality from Mills. While she was known for her ambition and drive, he was more laid back, often characterized as lazy. Despite their differences, they embarked on a tumultuous 20-year relationship, marked by inconsistency and instability.
Throughout their time together, Mills remained dedicated to caring for Holland’s son, Damian, creating a warm and welcoming environment for him in her home. Despite the challenges posed by their relationship dynamics, Mills and Holland shared a deep bond, with Mills admitting that Holland was the first man she felt truly valued and cherished.
Despite her successful acting career, Mills felt a longing for something more, which led her to adopt her daughter, Chloe, at the age of 54. This decision marked a significant turning point in Mills’ life, as she shifted her focus to motherhood and embraced the joys and challenges of raising a child.
Despite facing criticism for her age, Mills remained steadfast in her decision, prioritizing her desire for motherhood over societal expectations. She made the conscious choice to be an active and engaged parent, foregoing her acting career for 18 years to ensure she could be present for her daughter.
Now, with Chloe grown into a successful model and social media influencer, Mills reflects on her journey as a mother with pride and gratitude. Despite the challenges she faced along the way, Mills remains unwavering in her belief that starting a family later in life allowed her to give her all to both her career and her daughter.
After experiencing the ups and downs of her relationship with Holland, Donna Mills remained open to love. In 2001, she embarked on a new romantic journey with actor and producer Larry Gilman.
Gilman, known for his roles in “Texas Rangers,” “Secrets,” and “MAS*H,” has enjoyed a successful career in the entertainment industry. Despite their age difference, Gilman’s dedication to Mills and her daughter, Chloe, is unwavering.
In a grand gesture of love, Gilman gifted Mills a vineyard, showcasing his commitment and affection for her. Situated in Brentwood, Los Angeles, the vineyard symbolizes their shared dreams and aspirations for the future.
With plans to bottle wine from their grapes under the name “Ethereal,” Mills and Gilman envision a future filled with abundance and shared joy. Like fine wine, their partnership continues to evolve and mature over time.
During a 2020 interview, Gilman’s perspective on life reflected his balanced and holistic approach, demonstrating his supportive and understanding nature as a partner. As they navigate life’s journey together, Mills and Gilman embody the essence of a harmonious and enduring relationship.