A former child star is head over heels in love with her significantly younger partner, who recently shared how she makes him feel. Despite criticism, the couple has continually stood up for their relationship.

Veteran actress Juliet Mills, now 82, has enjoyed a marriage spanning over 40 years with a husband nearly 20 years her junior. Their significant age difference once led many to doubt the longevity of their relationship.

With both of them in the entertainment industry, Mills first made her way onto the screen after signing a contract with Warner Brothers. She had minor roles in comedies such as “Nurse on Wheels” (1963) and “Carry on Jack” (1964).

However, it was in 1966 that she began to gain real attention, starring alongside James Stewart and Maureen O’Hara in the western film “The Rare Breed.”

In 1970, Mills secured her first leading role in the television series “Nanny and the Professor.” Despite its quick rise in popularity, ABC canceled the show after only two seasons.

Decades after the comedy series concluded, the actress reminisced about her cherished memories during an interview. “I’m very proud of it and have very, very happy memories of it. I’m still recognized all over the place for that as much as anything I’ve ever done, which is extraordinary,” said Mills.

Mills, a Tony Award nominee, shared that people often recognize her just by her voice and turn around, saying, “Hey, Nanny!” She believes it was a family show that brought joy to viewers, creating happy memories that still resonate.

The former child star met her now-spouse, Maxwell Caulfield, who was an up-and-coming actor at the time, through her work in acting. Caulfield made his film debut in “Grease 2.” He later shared the stage with his future wife when he was cast alongside Mills in a U.S. tour of the award-winning play, “The Elephant Man.”

In the production, he portrayed John Merrick, a man whose severe facial deformities led to the cruel nickname referenced in the play’s title, while Mills took on the role of Mrs. Kendal, the actress who befriends him.

In an interview, she reflected on meeting Caulfield, describing it as love at first sight, “We were instant friends, immediately attracted.” She added that they felt like they had known each other in a previous life.

In the same interview, Caulfield agreed, calling their romance “full-blown” and noting a deep psychic connection, “It was instantaneous for us both.” Their first date was to see Harold Pinter’s “Betrayal” on Broadway, where Mills’ friend, Natalie Wood, had invited them.

Caulfield recalled the experience as surreal, sitting between Mills and the legendary Wood, who had starred in “West Side Story” and “Rebel Without a Cause.”

When Caulfield, at only 21, married Mills in 1980, many were doubtful that their marriage would stand the test of time. Despite the headlines about their age gap, the couple managed to avoid controversy.

Mills explained that living in California meant the news didn’t gain much attention, and they never worried about the difference in age. Even those close to them, like Mills’ father, didn’t see it as an issue.

When she told him about her younger love, he simply responded, “It’s irrelevant. If you find someone you want to share your life with, it doesn’t matter if they are black or white, old or young, or what they are – it’s a soulmate.”

“And that’s what I found. We’ve silenced our critics now,” said Mills. The actress, who had been married twice before, never felt significantly older than Caulfield. She described him as romantic, protective, and her best friend.

Caulfield even took charge of their wedding, planning a sunrise ceremony on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Point Dume in Malibu, followed by an intimate reception at Mills’ Beverly Hills home.

He decorated the house with fairy lights and archways, making it a magical event. His proposal was equally romantic, involving two doves released from his tuxedo pockets. Caulfield noted, “She brings out the romantic in me.”

In a recent interview, the actor admitted that his wife of 44 years keeps him young. In April 2017, the couple attended the classic #ENOCarousel. Caulfield shared his thoughts online, stating, “Great conviction from @AlfieBoe & @KathJenkins, voices not 2 shabby either! Beautiful theatre.”

He also posted a joyful photo of the two on X, and users couldn’t help but gush over their companionship. “What a lovely photograph!” exclaimed one person. Another shared a similar view, “You two lovebirds look great!”

Back in December 2013, Caulfield posted another snapshot of the happy couple and wrote, “Right side up!” One person complimented them writing, “A Lovely couple [sic].”

Mills and Caulfield have defied the odds, proving that love can thrive despite an age gap and public scrutiny. Their enduring bond serves as a testament to true companionship and romance.