NEWSHayley Mills Reflects on Loss of Disney Fortune Due to Tax Issues
Hayley Mills revealed how a 90% tax reduced the fortune she earned during her Disney years.
Aug. 22 2026, Published 3:00 p.m. ET
Hayley Mills, renowned for her child roles in classic Disney films like Pollyanna and The Parent Trap, recently discussed her financial struggles stemming from her time with the studio.
Mills appeared on “The Rosebud Podcast” with her sister, Juliet Mills, to celebrate her 80th birthday and revealed the shocking reality of her tax situation.
Hayley Mills said most of the money she earned during her Disney years went to taxes.
When host Gyles Brandreth inquired about her earnings during her Disney years, Hayley responded, “I gave it to the tax man.”
She explained that a significant portion of her earnings went into a trust fund, which was impacted by a 90 percent super tax in effect at that time.
Hayley Mills explained that her trust fund was affected by a 90 percent super tax that was in effect at the time.
Gyles suggested that Hayley’s father’s naivety played a role in the situation.
Hayley acknowledged this, saying, “There was an innocence about him and a sort of optimism.”
Juliet added, “He had a business manager who made those sorts of decisions.”
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The Mills sisters come from an esteemed British acting family, with their father, Sir John Mills, being a respected actor. Hayley explained that the trust fund set up for her was flawed.
Upon turning 21, she expected to access her trust fund but instead received a notice from the Inland Revenue stating, “Thank you. You owe us 90 percent of your earnings.”
Hayley struggled with understanding the financial implications of this notice, recalling, “I’ve never been good at figures.”
She sought legal help but found her attempts to contest the tax bill were unsuccessful.
“It didn’t work,” she lamented.
Hayley Mills said the Inland Revenue informed her at age 21 that she owed 90 percent of her earnings.
Initially, she received a favorable ruling from Lord Denning, who agreed that taxing her earnings in such a way was unfair. However, this decision was overturned by the House of Lords, ultimately leaving Hayley responsible for the hefty tax bill that diminished her fortune.
Hayley fought with the British government for years, hoping to reclaim her wealth. Unfortunately, her appeal was denied in 1975. Reflecting on this loss, she noted that if she had won, she could have retained around £2 million, which is over $17 million today.
She expressed that she did not have a clear vision for her career at that time.
“I wanted to spread my wings and have a greater choice,” she said.
This struggle for identity was compounded by the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Hayley Mills fought the British government over the tax bill, but her appeal was ultimately denied in 1975.
Despite these challenges, Hayley found success as a mother and continued acting in stage and television roles in the U.S.
She felt fortunate compared to many child stars, saying, “I was working for a studio with a boss who was a genuinely good man.”
Hayley fondly remembered her relationship with Walt Disney, stating, “He was a great friend of my family.”
She appreciated his kindness and support during her early career in Hollywood.
