Juliet Mills, 82, remains happily married to Maxwell Caulfield, the “Grease” actor who is 18 years her junior. Their enduring love story has stood the test of time.

At 82, veteran actress Juliet Mills has been happily married for over 40 years to Maxwell Caulfield, who is 18 years younger. Their relationship, which began in the entertainment industry, faced skepticism early on due to their significant age difference. Mills, who first gained attention as a child star, recalls their meeting as a moment of instant connection, describing it as love at first sight. Despite public doubt, they’ve built a strong, lasting relationship, which has stood the test of time.

Mills’ career took off in the 1960s with roles in movies like The Rare Breed and the TV series Nanny and the Professor, which brought her widespread recognition. She later met Caulfield when they were cast together in a U.S. tour of the award-winning play The Elephant Man. In the production, Caulfield played John Merrick, whileportrayed Mrs. Kendal. It was during this time that their friendship blossomed into a deep romantic connection.

In interviews, both Mills and Caulfield have spoken openly about their “instant attraction” and deep psychic bond. Caulfield has shared how their relationship felt “full-blown” from the beginning, and Mills agrees, reflecting on how it seemed like they had known each other in another life. Their first date was a memorable evening seeing Betrayal on Broadway, where they were invited by Mills’ friend, actress Natalie Wood.

Despite their obvious chemistry, when the couple married in 1980, many doubted that their union would last, especially given that Caulfield was just 21 at the time. The age difference drew attention from the media, but the couple remained unconcerned. Mills has often said that living in California helped them avoid much of the public scrutiny.

More importantly, those closest to them, including Mills’ father, fully supported their relationship. He told his daughter, “Age is irrelevant when you find someone you want to share your life with.”

Their relationship has endured not just because of their love, but also because of their shared interests and respect for each other’s careers. Caulfield, who gained fame with his role in Grease 2, has always admired Mills’ talents and accomplishments, which include a successful theater and television career. Over the years, they have both remained active in the entertainment industry, continuing to work and support each other through different roles.

Juliet Mills looks back at her career with pride, but she is just as proud of her personal life and the bond she shares with her husband.

After four decades of marriage, Mills and Caulfield have proved that their love transcends the age gap and the expectations of others. They continue to inspire with their enduring love story, showing that a deep connection and mutual respect are the true foundations of a lasting relationship.

Juliet Mills and Maxwell Caulfield have proven time and again that age is just a number when it comes to love. After facing public doubt and skepticism early in their relationship due to their 18-year age difference, the couple has now silenced their critics. Mills, who had been married twice before, never felt the age gap between her and Caulfield, describing him as romantic, protective, and her best friend.

Caulfield took charge of planning their wedding, arranging a sunrise ceremony on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Point Dume in Malibu. The intimate reception that followed at Mills’ Beverly Hills home was decorated with fairy lights and archways, making it a magical and unforgettable event.

His romantic gesture during the proposal involved releasing two doves from his tuxedo pockets, a reflection of his deep affection for Mills. “She brings out the romantic in me,” he said.

In a recent interview, Caulfield expressed how Mills, his wife of over 40 years, has kept him youthful and vibrant. The couple remains active in public life, and in April 2017, they attended the classic #ENOCarousel event together. Caulfield posted a joyful photo of them online, and fans were quick to comment on their enduring love. “What a lovely photograph!” said one person, while another added, “You two lovebirds look great!”

Even in 2013, Caulfield shared a sweet snapshot of them with the caption, “Right side up!” Fans flooded the comments with compliments, calling them a “lovely couple.”

Through all the ups and downs, Mills and Caulfield have shown that their bond is unshakeable, defying the odds and proving that true love can thrive despite an age gap or public scrutiny. Their romance remains a shining example of deep companionship and enduring affection.

While Preparing for My Niece’s Christening, I Met the Man of My Dreams, but I Never Expected How It Would End — Story of the Day

While preparing for my niece’s christening, I met a man different from anyone I had ever known. He was kind, thoughtful, and impossible not to like. But he had made a choice long before we met, one that stood between us. I never imagined how it would all end—or how much it would change me.

I stood in front of Sarah’s house, shifting my weight from one foot to the other. That day, we were finalizing the details for Ellie’s christening, something Sarah had been stressing about for weeks.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I rang the doorbell and waited. Nothing. I rang it again. Still nothing. Frowning, I tried the handle—it turned easily. The door was unlocked.

Stepping inside, I was immediately hit by a wall of noise. Ellie’s wails filled the house, high-pitched and relentless.

Sarah was darting back and forth, juggling bottles and stuffed animals with the frantic energy of someone running on two hours of sleep. Mark stood nearby, hands hovering uselessly as he attempted to soothe Ellie.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Silently, I slipped into the kitchen, grabbed a mug, and poured myself some coffee.

A moment later, Sarah rushed into the kitchen, her hair a mess, her face flushed. Her eyes widened.

“Oh, God! You scared me!” she gasped, pressing a hand to her chest. “How long have you been standing there?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“A while,” I said, taking another sip of coffee.

She frowned. “You could have helped, you know.”

I leaned against the counter. “I’m here for moral support.”

Sarah rolled her eyes. “You’re impossible.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Just then, the doorbell rang. Sarah straightened, her whole demeanor changing. “Oh, that must be him!” she said, hurrying toward the door.

At least she heard this doorbell.

Curious, I followed her. As I stepped into the hallway, I saw a man standing at the entrance. A very attractive man. Very attractive.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Sarah smirked. “Claire, are you done with your coffee?”

“Something like that,” I said, my eyes still on him.

Sarah gestured toward him. “Then I’d like to introduce you. Claire, this is Father Nathan. He’ll be christening Ellie.”

I blinked. “Father?” I looked him up and down. No collar. No robe. “Where’s your—” I made a circle around my neck.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I’m allowed to wear regular clothes,” he said, amused.

I crossed my arms. “You don’t look like a priest.”

“Thank you. I’ll take that as a compliment,” he said, still smiling.

“You should,” I said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Sarah clapped her hands together. “Alright, let’s go over the details.”

We all moved into the living room. I sat at the far end, keeping my distance from the baby. She made me nervous.

All babies did. Sarah and Mark discussed the ceremony, asking Nathan about traditions and schedules. I tuned most of it out.

“So, what do you do?” Nathan asked, turning to me.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Oh, I own an art supply store,” I said.

“You’re an artist?”

“No, but I sell materials for artists. Without me, they’d be nothing,” I said.

He laughed. A real, warm laugh.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For the first time all day, I felt seen. The meeting went on, but Nathan and I kept talking. Jokes, small talk, teasing. It felt easy. Familiar.

When we were both in the entryway, getting ready to leave, he asked, “Why aren’t you the godmother?”

“Babies scare me. And kids.”

“Oh, I understand. Me too.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“But you’re—”

“These will be my first christenings. I just hope I don’t forget that babies can’t swim,” he said.

I laughed. “That’s an honest answer.”

“Lying is a sin. And He sees everything,” Nathan said, pointing to the ceiling. He hesitated, then added, “I’d love to see you at church sometime.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I swallowed. “Oh, I wouldn’t call myself particularly religious.”

“Well, if you ever feel like it, I’ll be there,” he said.

And I don’t know why, but I listened to him.

That Sunday, I found myself sitting in a wooden pew, surrounded by families, older couples, and a few scattered individuals like me.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

The church smelled of candle wax and old books. I folded my hands in my lap, unsure what to do.

Nathan spoke with ease, his voice warm, his words thoughtful. He told stories, made people laugh, yet never lost the meaning behind his sermon. People seemed to like him—and oh, how I understood why.

Nathan was impossible not to like.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

After the service, I walked toward him.

“So, you actually came,” Nathan said, smiling.

I nodded. “Yeah. It was… different. In a good way.”

“Glad to hear that. I try not to make people fall asleep.” He grinned.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Well, you kept me awake,” I said.

“Would you like some coffee or tea?” he asked.

“I’d love some,” I said, and he led me to his… office? I wasn’t sure what they were called.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

That day, we talked for hours. The conversation flowed so easily—about faith, the church, people, and life in general.

Nathan listened without judgment, spoke with honesty, and made me think in ways I hadn’t before.

I felt more comfortable with him than I had with anyone in a long time. That should have been a good thing, but it wasn’t.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

He was a priest. And it killed me to know that he was a priest—that I could never have a real relationship with him.

Still, I kept coming back. Almost every day, we found something new to talk about.

One day, we sat on a park bench, the sun warm against my skin. Talking to Nathan felt easy, natural.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“You can’t get married. What would you do if you liked someone?” I asked, glancing at him.

He smirked. “I’d invite her to my services, talk to her, agree to christen her niece, and hope she leaves me alone.”

I smiled, feeling my cheeks heat up. “And if you fell in love with someone?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Nathan’s smile faded. He let out a slow breath. “The path I chose requires me to devote my life and love to God.”

I swallowed hard. “I could never do that.”

Nathan turned toward me. “That’s why talking to you is good for me. You challenge me. You make me question things.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

His eyes met mine. My heart pounded. And then, without thinking, I kissed him.

For a moment, he kissed me back. Warm. Certain. Then, suddenly, he pulled away, his face pale.

“No, this is wrong,” he whispered. “I’m sorry.” He stood up and walked away.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I sat frozen, watching him disappear, feeling like I had just lost something I never really had.

The next day, my phone rang early. Sarah’s voice came through, shaky and rushed.

“Claire, he backed out! Nathan won’t do the christening. It’s tomorrow! What am I supposed to do?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I gripped the phone tighter. “What? Why?”

“He didn’t say. Just told Mark he couldn’t do it.”

I closed my eyes. I knew why. This was because of me. I tried to calm Sarah, but she was too upset.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

After hanging up, I went to the church. Nathan wasn’t there. No one knew where he was.

That evening, a knock at my door startled me. I opened it and froze. Nathan stood there, his expression unreadable.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Your sister gave me your address,” he said. His voice was quiet, but his eyes held something heavy.

I stepped aside. “Come in.”

He walked in, standing awkwardly in the middle of my living room. I crossed my arms. “Sarah is panicking. You need to do the christening.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Nathan sighed. “I already agreed. My conscience wouldn’t let me refuse.”

Relief flooded through me. “Good. Then why are you here?”

He ran a hand through his hair, looking more unsure than I’d seen him. “I gave up a lot to have the life I have. Years of training, sacrifice, purpose. Then you showed up.” His eyes met mine. “And now, I doubt everything.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I swallowed hard. “I’m sorry.”

“I can’t stop thinking about you. I pray, I work, I read, and it’s still you. It should be Him. My mind should be clear. It’s not.”

I stared at him, unable to speak. My throat tightened, my chest ached.

“Screw it,” Nathan muttered. Then, before I could react, he grabbed me and kissed me.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I kissed him back without hesitation.

He stayed the night…If you know what I mean.

By morning, I stared at the ceiling, my heart pounding. I felt warm beside him, but my mind spun.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I can’t believe you actually did this,” I said, barely above a whisper.

Nathan sat up, rubbing his face. “Neither can I.”

We both knew what this meant.

It was the day of the christening. Nathan dressed quickly, avoiding my eyes.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

He muttered something about needing to be at the church early. Then he was gone.

I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the empty space where he had been. My heart felt heavy, but I pushed the feeling down.

I got ready, put on a simple dress, and drove to the church.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

The ceremony went perfectly. Nathan spoke with warmth and confidence, his voice steady, his smile easy. No one would have guessed he was struggling.

Afterward, Sarah and Mark hosted a celebration. Laughter filled the house, food covered the table, and everyone seemed happy.

Nathan and I left at the same time. We didn’t plan it, but suddenly, we were standing outside together, alone.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

The air between us was thick with unspoken words. I knew this was it. The moment I had been dreading.

“You did well today,” I said. My voice was even, but I felt unsteady.

“Thanks.” Nathan wouldn’t look at me.

I exhaled slowly. “It’s not going to be me, is it?” My voice wavered. “It’s going to be Him.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

He finally met my eyes. “…Yeah.”

I let out a small, sad laugh. My vision blurred. “The funniest part of all this? I love you.”

Nathan pulled me into a tight hug, his arms lingering before he let go.

“This won’t last forever,” he murmured.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I forced a smile. “So… see you Sunday at mass?”

Nathan chuckled, though his eyes were sad. “Yeah. But seriously? You’re banned from my services for life.”

He turned, hesitated, then looked back.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I love you too.”

Then he walked away.

And that was the last time I ever saw him.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

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