Sir John Mills Biography

One of the archetypes of the decent and reliable on-screen Englishman, John Mills first appeared on-stage in 1929 as a chorus-dancer.

Son of a mathematics teacher father and theatre box-office mother, John moved from his coastal home to London to enrol at Zelia Raye’s Dancing School.

His first film appearance was with Jessie Matthews in the 1932 film, 'The Midshipmaid'. He rose through the ranks to appear as leading man in 'Tudor Rose' and 'The Green Cockatoo'.

'Goodbye Mr. Chips', in which he played student Peter Colley, was his first American film, in 1939.

After becoming a popular stage performer in light comedies and musical throughout the thirties, Mills became best known, during the Second World War, for his roles in patriotic war films.

Although he was now famous as the celluloid face of the British officer class, his own ill-health prevented him from participating in real combat.

Post-war, Mills starred in such successful epics as 'Scott of the Antarctic', 'The Colditz Story' and the film adaptation of 'Oh! What A Lovely War'.

Two of Mills’ daughters, Hayley and Juliet, have pursued successful acting careers. In 1966 he starred with both of them on 'Broadway in Sky, West' and 'Crooked'(aka 'Gypsy Girl'), which he also directed.

In 1970 Mills won an Oscar for his village idiot portrayal in the David Lean-directed 'Ryan’s Daughter'.

John Mills was knighted for his services to British entertainment in 1977. He died of a chest infection at his Buckinghamshire home on 23rd April 2005.