A former child star is madly in love with her much younger lover, who recently revealed how she makes him feel. Despite criticism, the pair has consistently advocated for their love.
Juliet Mills, 82, has been married for more than 40 years to a man about 20 years her junior. Many people questioned their relationship’s sustainability due to their considerable age gap.
With both of them working in the entertainment industry, Mills first appeared on screen after securing a deal with Warner Brothers. She has tiny roles in comedies including “Carry on Jack” (1964) and “Nurse on Wheels” (1963).
However, it wasn’t until 1966 that she began to get serious attention when she co-starred with James Stewart and Maureen O’Hara in the western picture “The Rare Breed.”
Mills’ first starring role was in the 1970 television series “Nanny and the Professor.” Despite its rapid success, ABC canceled the show after only two seasons.
During an interview decades later, the actress reminisced about her favorite moments from the comedy series. “I’m quite proud of it, and I have very fond memories of it,” Mills said.
Mills, a Tony Award nominee, revealed that people often identify her simply by her voice and turn around to say, “Hey, Nanny!” She feels it was a family program that offered delight to viewers, evoking joyful memories that still linger.
The former child actress met her now-husband, Maxwell Caulfield, who was a rising celebrity at the time, through her acting career. Caulfield made his cinematic debut with “Grease 2.” Afterward, he shared the stage with his future wife, starring opposite Mills in a U.S. tour of the acclaimed play “The Elephant Man.”
In the show, he played John Merrick, a man whose terrible facial abnormalities earned him the brutal nickname mentioned in the play’s title, and Mills played Mrs. Kendal, the actress who befriends him.
During an interview, she reminisced about her first encounter with Caulfield, characterizing it as an instant bond and an immediate attraction. She also mentioned that they felt like they had known one another in a prior life.
In the same interview, Caulfield concurred, calling their passion “full-blown” and mentioning a strong psychic connection: “It was instantaneous for us both.” Their first date was to see Harold Pinter’s “Betrayal” on Broadway, which Mills’ friend Natalie Wood had invited them to.
Caulfield described the experience as bizarre, sitting between Mills and the iconic Wood, who had previously featured in “West Side Story” and “Rebel Without a Cause.”
When Caulfield, then 21, married Mills in 1980, many questioned if their marriage would last. Despite the news regarding their age difference, the pair avoided scandal.
Mills noted that residing in California meant that the news didn’t receive much attention, and they were never concerned about the age gap. Even those closest to them, such as Mills’ father, did not view it as a problem.
When she told him about her past love, he simply responded, “It doesn’t matter.” Anyone you meet who you want to spend your life with is a soulmate, regardless of race, age, or gender.”
“And that’s what I discovered,” Mills said. “We’ve silenced our critics now.” Despite her two previous marriages, the actress never felt older than Caulfield. She referred to him as passionate, protective, and her greatest friend.
Caulfield even organized their wedding, planning a sunrise ceremony on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Point Dume in Malibu, followed by a modest celebration at Mills’ Beverly Hills house.
He transformed the property into a wonderful setting by decorating it with fairy lights and archways. His proposal was similarly sweet, with two doves released from his tuxedo pockets. Caulfield wrote, “She brings out the romantic in me.”
In a recent interview, the actor stated that his 44-year-old wife helps him stay young. In April 2017, the couple attended the renowned #ENOCarousel event. Caulfield shared his thoughts online, writing, “Alfie Boe and Kath Jenkins demonstrated great conviction; their vocals were not too awful either!” Beautiful theater.”
He also shared a joyful photo of the two on X, and fans couldn’t help but fawn about their friendship. “What a lovely photograph!” said one individual. Another person said something similar: “You two lovebirds look great!”
In December 2013, Caulfield uploaded another photo of the pleased pair with the caption, “Right side up!” Someone complimented them, writing, “A lovely couple [sic].”
Mills and Caulfield have overcome the challenges, proving that love can thrive despite age disparities and public scrutiny. Their long friendship exemplifies real companionship and affection.