Veteran actress Juliet Mills, now 82, has enjoyed a thriving marriage spanning over four decades with her husband, Maxwell Caulfield, who is nearly 20 years younger than her.
Their significant age difference initially fueled skepticism about their relationship’s longevity. Yet, they have proved the doubters wrong with a union that continues to stand the test of time.
A Flourishing Career in Entertainment
Juliet Mills entered the entertainment world through her contract with Warner Brothers, landing minor roles in films like Nurse on Wheels (1963) and Carry on Jack (1964). However, her breakthrough came in 1966 when she starred in the western drama The Rare Breed, alongside industry icons James Stewart and Maureen O’Hara.
By 1970, Mills had secured her first leading role in the television series Nanny and the Professor. Despite its rapid rise in popularity, the show was canceled by ABC after just two seasons. Reflecting on the series decades later, Mills expressed her fondness for that time in her career.
“I’m very proud of it and have very, very happy memories of it,” she said during an interview. “People still recognize me all the time and call out, ‘Hey, Nanny!’ It’s extraordinary how much it resonates even now.” She credited the family-oriented nature of the show for the lasting joy it brought to viewers.
Meeting Maxwell Caulfield: Love at First Sight
Mills met her future husband, Maxwell Caulfield, through her work in acting. Caulfield, then an emerging talent, made his film debut in Grease 2. The couple first collaborated on a U.S. tour of the award-winning play The Elephant Man. Caulfield played John Merrick, a man with severe facial deformities, while Mills portrayed Mrs. Kendal, a compassionate actress who befriends Merrick.
Their connection was immediate. Mills described their meeting as love at first sight: “We were instant friends, immediately attracted. It felt as if we had known each other in another life.”
Caulfield echoed her sentiment, describing their romance as “full-blown” with a profound psychic connection. Their first date—a Broadway showing of Harold Pinter’s Betrayal—was arranged through Mills’ friend, Natalie Wood, making the evening even more memorable.
Defying Age Gaps and Doubters
When the couple married in 1980, Caulfield was just 21 years old. The 18-year age gap sparked doubt among critics, but the couple dismissed the negativity. Living in California helped shield them from public scrutiny, and their close friends and family were supportive.
Mills’ father summed it up best: “If you find someone you want to share your life with, it doesn’t matter if they are black or white, old or young—it’s a soulmate.” Mills has often said that their deep connection has always felt ageless.
Mills, previously married twice, described Caulfield as her best friend, a romantic partner, and a protective presence in her life.
Their wedding reflected Caulfield’s creative and sentimental nature—a sunrise ceremony at Point Dume in Malibu, followed by an intimate reception at Mills’ Beverly Hills home, adorned with fairy lights and archways. He even proposed in an equally enchanting manner, releasing two doves from his tuxedo during the moment.
A Relationship Built on Mutual Admiration
Over the years, the couple’s love has only deepened. Caulfield often credits Mills for keeping him youthful. In April 2017, they attended the #ENOCarousel performance, where Caulfield praised the event online, showing his appreciation for art and culture alongside his wife. The actor has frequently shared joyful photos of the two on social media, eliciting admiration from fans.
“You two lovebirds look great!” wrote one admirer in response to a snapshot of the couple, while another remarked, “What a lovely photograph!”
A Testament to True Love
Juliet Mills and Maxwell Caulfield have built a legacy of love and partnership that defies traditional norms. Their bond, strengthened by shared values, creativity, and mutual respect, stands as a testament to enduring romance. Despite the initial skepticism surrounding their relationship, their story is a celebration of genuine connection and companionship that transcends age.
