Actor Hayley Mills Says She Lost Most Child Stardom Earnings to British Taxes and Advisor

Actor Hayley Mills discussed losing a significant portion of her earnings from child stardom during a recent podcast appearance. She explained that high British taxes in the 1960s led to the placement of her earnings in a trust fund. Mills starred in several Disney films during that era, including 'The Parent Trap' in 1961.

According to Mills, upon turning 21, she received a notice from the Inland Revenue demanding 90% of her earnings. She recounted a meeting with her financial advisor who informed her of the tax obligation and suggested moving to America. Mills described the advisor as a crook and noted her lack of understanding of financial matters at the time.

Mills appeared on the 'Rosebud Podcast,' where she detailed the impact of the 90% supertax rate in Britain during her early career. The trust fund was established to manage the tax burden, but it resulted in substantial losses. ' in 1965 and 'In Search of the Castaways' in 1962.

The podcast episode was highlighted in a report by Variety on May 5, 2026. Mills stated that the financial advisor provided minimal explanation, laughing off her confusion about the tax notice. This experience marked a significant financial setback from her contracted work with the studio.

Details from the Interview In the interview, Mills quoted the advisor's response to her questions about the tax bill. He reportedly said it meant she had to move to America, offering no further guidance. Variety reported that Mills ultimately gave most of the money to the tax authorities.