Hayley Mills, best known for starring in The Parent Trap (1961), has revealed that she lost a significant portion of the fortune she earned as a child actor due to poor financial handling, blaming a “crook” financial advisor for the loss. Speaking candidly in a recent interview, the former Disney star opened up about how her early earnings largely disappeared, despite her immense success in the 1960s.

“It was rather a big chunk,” Mills said. “It was most of it because it was all put into a trust fund, because [British] supertax was 90 percent in those days, so they had to do something,” she said on the Rosebud Podcast podcast (via The Daily Beast).

Mills explained that her earnings were placed into a trust fund on the advice of a financial advisor connected to her father, actor Sir John Mills. However, things took a turn when British tax authorities challenged the trust structure, ultimately leaving her liable for a massive tax bill.

She did not hold back when describing the man who handled her finances, calling him a “crook.” According to Mills, the advisor offered little clarity when she came of age and discovered the extent of her financial losses, leaving her shocked and with far less than she had earned during her peak years.

That revelation adds a striking layer to her legacy, especially when you consider just how iconic her early career really was.

Hayley Mills’ Disney stardom and The Parent Trap legacy

Hayley Mills became one of the most recognizable child stars of the 1960s, rising to fame as a leading face of Disney’s live-action films. Known for her warmth, charm, and natural acting style, she quickly built a reputation for carrying major family films at a young age. Her association with Disney defined an era of wholesome entertainment and made her a household name across generations.

Her rise to stardom began with Tiger Bay (1959), which earned her a BAFTA for Most Promising Newcomer. She soon caught the attention of Walt Disney and was cast in Pollyanna (1960), a role that won her a special Academy Juvenile Award. This success led to a string of popular films, including The Parent Trap (1961), where her dual performance as twins became her most iconic role, along with In Search of the Castaways (1962), Summer Magic (1963), The Moon-Spinners (1964), and That Darn Cat! (1965).

Among these, The Parent Trap stood out as a defining hit, both commercially and culturally. The film’s innovative split-screen performance and heartfelt storytelling helped cement Mills’ legacy, while its enduring popularity continues to introduce her work to new generations. Her Disney era remains a hallmark of wholesome, clever family entertainment that still resonates decades later.

Hayley Mills’ story highlights a harsh reality behind the glamour of early fame. While she remains an enduring icon thanks to films like The Parent Trap, her experience serves as a cautionary tale about financial oversight and trust.

What are your thoughts on Hayley Mills’ revelations? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Karishma Dasgupta

Edited by

Itti Mahajan