Minnie Mills: Rising Star of Hollywood and Her Inspiring Journey
Minnie Mills is an actress, model, and scholar who has quickly gained fame in the entertainment industry. Best known for her role as Shayla in The Summer I Turned Pretty, she has captivated audiences with her talent and on-screen charisma. Beyond acting, Minnie is an accomplished scholar at Columbia University and has an inspiring background that reflects her dedication and passion for success. In this article, we will dive deep into Minnie Mills’ life, including her family, ethnicity, education, TV shows, relationships, and the reason behind her departure from TSITP.
Early Life and Background
Minnie Mills Parents and Ethnicity
She was born on January 21, 2002, in London, England, to a multicultural family. Her father, Trevor Mills, is from Calgary, Canada, while her mother, Semi Cho, is from Seoul, South Korea. This makes Minnie Mills half-Korean and half-British. Her diverse heritage has played a significant role in shaping her identity and career in the entertainment industry. She also has a younger sister, Emma Paris Mills, who is 15 months younger than her.
Education and Academic Excellence
Minnie Mills University and Academic Pursuits
Despite her growing fame in Hollywood, Minnie Mills prioritizes education. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Neuroscience at Columbia University (Class of 2024). Balancing academics and acting is no easy task, but Minnie has proven that she is capable of excelling in both fields.
Before attending Columbia, she studied at Phillips Academy Andover, one of the most prestigious high schools in the United States, and later transferred to Avenues: The World School. She has also taken Acting & Scene Study courses at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Acting Career and TV Shows
Minnie Mills in The Summer I Turned Pretty
One of Minnie Mills’ most notable roles is Shayla in The Summer I Turned Pretty (TSITP), an Amazon Prime Video series based on Jenny Han’s bestselling novel. She portrayed Shayla, a confident and stylish girl who dates Steven Conklin (played by Sean Kaufman) in the first season.
Her role received significant appreciation, as Shayla was a new character introduced exclusively in the TV adaptation and was not in the original book series. Minnie brought charm and depth to Shayla, making her an unforgettable character in the show.
Why Did Minnie Mills Leave TSITP?
Fans were shocked when She announced that she would not return for Season 2 of The Summer I Turned Pretty. While she has not publicly disclosed a specific reason, show creator Jenny Han later revealed that scheduling conflicts and narrative shifts led to Shayla’s absence. The storyline explained that Shayla was traveling in Europe with her parents, marking a peaceful end to her relationship with Steven.
Other TV Shows Featuring Minnie Mills
Although TSITP was her breakout role, She has worked on several other projects:
- Summer Love – Another drama series featuring Minnie Mills.
- 13 Reasons Why (Rumored) – There have been rumors linking Minnie Mills to 13 Reasons Why, but there is no confirmed information regarding her involvement in the Netflix series.
Minnie Mills’ Relationships and Personal Life
Is Minnie Mills Dating Sean Kaufman?
Since The Summer I Turned Pretty aired, many fans have speculated about a real-life romance between Minnie Mills and Sean Kaufman, who played her on-screen boyfriend, Steven Conklin. Their chemistry in the show was undeniable, and their off-screen friendship further fueled dating rumors.
However, neither Minnie nor Sean has confirmed any romantic relationship. They continue to maintain a strong friendship, often sharing photos and attending events together.
Current Relationship Status
As of now, Minnie Mills has not publicly shared any details about her personal relationships. She seems focused on her acting career and education at Columbia University.
Height and Physical Attributes
Many fans are curious about Minnie Mills’ height and physical stats. She stands at 1.67 meters (5 feet 6 inches) tall. Her striking features, which reflect her Korean-British heritage, have made her a sought-after model for major brands.
Modeling Career and Brand Collaborations
Before stepping into acting, She was a successful child and teen model. She worked with major fashion and lifestyle brands such as:
- Nike
- Tommy Hilfiger
- Diane von Fürstenberg (DVF)
- GapKids
- Ralph Lauren
- American Girl
- H&M
- Target
- Macy’s
- Saks Fifth Avenue
- Juicy Couture
- Vogue Bambino Europe
She was previously represented by Wilhelmina Models before transitioning into acting full-time.
Future Projects and Career Aspirations
Upcoming Acting Roles
She has kept her upcoming acting roles under wraps, but she is actively auditioning for lead roles in major productions, including HBO, Netflix, and Sony Pictures films.
Expanding Her Influence in Hollywood
She has become a role model for Asian representation in Hollywood. She has often spoken about the importance of diversity and the need for more opportunities for Asian actors in lead roles.
Final Thoughts: Why Minnie Mills Is a Star to Watch
She is more than just an actress; she is an inspiration to young individuals worldwide. From balancing a Neuroscience degree at Columbia University to starring in hit TV shows and working with top fashion brands, she embodies hard work, determination, and talent.
As she continues to navigate her journey in the entertainment industry, there is no doubt that Minnie Mills’ future is incredibly bright. Whether it’s acting, modeling, or academic achievements, she is a force to be reckoned with.
Stay tuned for more updates on Minnie Mills’ career, upcoming projects, and personal life as she continues to rise in the entertainment industry!
