Knots Landing Star Donna Mills, 85, Claps Back at Makeup Criticism

The actress posted a transformation video on Instagram responding to comments that she wears too much makeup for her age.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:43pm

Donna Mills, the 85-year-old actress known for her role on the soap opera Knots Landing, posted a transformation video on Instagram responding to criticism that she wears too much makeup for her age. In the video, Mills confidently asserted that she likes her style and declared 'Style doesn't have an expiration date.' The post received widespread support and praise from fans and fellow celebrities.

Why it matters

This story highlights the ongoing debate around societal expectations and double standards for how older women, especially celebrities, should present themselves. Mills' confident response challenges the notion that there are age-appropriate limits on personal style and self-expression.

The details

In the video, Mills included a screenshot of a critical comment that said 'You wear too much makeup for your age.' She then cut to a clip of herself with no makeup, asking 'Did you want me to look like this?' before returning to her styled look and declaring 'I like the way I look. This is my style. And style doesn't have an expiration date, does it?' The video received an outpouring of support from Mills' followers, including praise from celebrities like Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Kyle Richards.

  • Donna Mills posted the transformation video on Instagram on April 5, 2026.

The players

Donna Mills

An 85-year-old actress known for her role as Abby Cunningham on the soap opera Knots Landing from 1980 to 1989.

Viola Davis

An acclaimed actress who praised Mills' video on Instagram.

Octavia Spencer

An Oscar-winning actress who also expressed support for Mills' video on Instagram.

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What theyโ€™re saying

โ€œWooooohoooo!!!!!๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿฟ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿฟ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿฟ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿฟ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿฟโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโ€

โ€” Viola Davis

โ€œ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅโ€

โ€” Octavia Spencer

The takeaway

Donna Mills' confident response to criticism about her appearance challenges outdated societal expectations for how older women, especially celebrities, should present themselves. Her video resonated with many fans and fellow stars, highlighting the ongoing need to dismantle double standards and allow women of all ages the freedom to express their personal style.