John Mills facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Mills
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| Born |
Lewis Ernest Watts Mills
22 February 1908 North Elmham, Norfolk, England
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| Died | 23 April 2005 (aged 97) Denham, Buckinghamshire, England
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| Cause of death | Chest Infection |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1929–2004 |
| Spouse(s) |
Aileen Raymond
(m. 1932; div. 1941) |
| Children | 3, including Juliet and Hayley |
Sir John Mills was a famous English actor. His full name was Lewis Ernest Watts Mills. He was born on February 22, 1908, and passed away on April 23, 2005. He acted in over 120 movies during his career, which lasted for 70 years!
John Mills often played characters who were not special at first. But these characters would become heroes because they were smart, kind, and made good choices. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the movie Ryan's Daughter (1970).
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Early life of John Mills
John Mills was born in Felixstowe, Suffolk, England. He grew up in Norfolk. When he was very young, his father was the headmaster of the village school in Belton. John first felt excited about performing at a school concert when he was only six years old.
He lived in Felixstowe until 1929. His older sister, Annette Mills, was also famous. She was the presenter of a BBC Television show called Muffin the Mule.
John went to several schools, including Balham Grammar School in London. After school, he worked as a clerk for a company that sold corn. Later, he worked in London selling disinfectant.
In September 1939, when World War II began, John Mills joined the British Army. He was part of the Royal Engineers. He became a Second Lieutenant. However, in 1942, he had to leave the army because of a stomach ulcer.
Later years and passing
In his later years, John Mills appeared on television only for special events. By 1992, he could barely see. After that, his movie roles were very short appearances.
He died on April 23, 2005, when he was 97 years old. He passed away in Denham, Buckinghamshire, due to a chest infection. His wife, Mary Hayley Bell, passed away later that same year. They are both buried in the churchyard of St. Mary the Virgin Church in Denham.
Awards and recognition
John Mills received many honors during his life.
- In 1960, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
- In 1976, the Queen made him a knight. This is why he was called "Sir John Mills."
- In 1999, at 91 years old, he joined a charity group for entertainers called the Grand Order of Water Rats. He was the oldest person to join them.
- In 2002, he received the highest award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). He was also named a Disney Legend by the Walt Disney Company.
Notable films of John Mills
John Mills starred in many popular films throughout his long career. He was known for playing many different types of characters.
Some of his well-known movies include:
- Great Expectations (1946), where he played Pip.
- Scott of the Antarctic (1948), where he played Captain Scott.
- Hobson's Choice (1954), for which he was nominated for a BAFTA award.
- Ice Cold in Alex (1958), a famous war film.
- Tunes of Glory (1960), for which he won an award at the Venice Film Festival.
- The Parent Trap (1961), where he had an uncredited role.
- The Chalk Garden (1964), where he acted with his daughter, Hayley Mills.
- Ryan's Daughter (1970), for which he won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.
- Gandhi (1982), where he played the Viceroy Baron Chelmsford.
- Hamlet (1996), a classic Shakespeare adaptation.
- Bean (1997), a comedy film.
His final film role was in 2004, in a movie called Lights2.
Images for kids
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Mills (middle) with Alastair Sim and Yvonne Mitchell in Escapade (1955)
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Mills handprints from 1985 at Leicester Square, London
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The Wick on Richmond Hill in Richmond, Greater London, was the family home for many years
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See also
In Spanish: John Mills para niños
