Donna Mills Celebrates Fellow Knots Landing Star’s Birthday
Heartfelt tribute sees Knots Landing alum Donna Mills honor her co-star with fond memories
Image: Instagram
Longtime Tv Friendship
Donna Mills marked a special milestone on Instagram this week, wishing her “Knots Landing” co-star Constance McCashin a very happy birthday. In a May 2023 post, the actress behind Abby Cunningham shared a photo of herself alongside McCashin, who originated the role of Laura Avery. The caption read: “Happiest of birthdays to my longtime friend—and Knots co-star Constance McCashin 🧁 You infused Laura Avery with your own heart and soul 🤍 #knotslanding #seaviewcircle #happybirthday.”
Knots Landing Through The Years
Knots Landing premiered in December 1979 as a spin-off of Dallas, running for 14 seasons and more than 300 episodes. Mills joined the show from its debut, while McCashin appeared regularly from 1979 until 1985. Over that span, their characters forged a complex sibling rivalry—Abby Cunningham’s scheming edge often collided with Laura Avery’s grounded warmth. Off-screen, the two developed a strong personal bond that endures decades later.
According to Mills’s Wikipedia profile, the actress was born December 11, 1940, and became a household name thanks to her portrayal of Abby. Constance McCashin (born 1948) stepped away from acting in the mid-1980s, later pursuing a career in nursing and family life. Their shared early years on the cul-de-sac laid the foundation for a lasting friendship that Mills celebrated in her birthday tribute.
Reuniting Beyond The Set
Their connection goes well beyond birthday greetings. In February 2023, Mills teamed up with fellow Knots Landing alumnae Michele Lee and Joan Van Ark to launch a podcast titled “We’re Knot Done Yet.” In an Instagram post [https://www.instagram.com/p/DJPZFz_PtjP/], Mills invited fans to listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and PodBean. The series features candid conversations about life on the set, behind-the-scenes stories and the camaraderie that shaped the show’s legacy.
“Talking about all that is Knots with my good friends and co-stars has been so much fun,” Mills wrote alongside a photo of the trio, sporting their podcast microphones. Episodes explore everything from wardrobe mishaps to off-camera pranks—one old post recalls the cast’s favorite on-set game, which involved an impromptu wardrobe challenge that often had Mills cracking up.
Birthday Tribute In Detail
Mills’s latest post shows her smiling next to McCashin in casual white tops, a simple backdrop underscoring their genuine rapport. The pair’s puckish expressions recall the drama of seaview circle, but the birthday wish was all warmth. Fans flooded the comments, praising the co-stars’ enduring friendship and thanking Mills for honoring McCashin so publicly.
In interviews, McCashin has spoken fondly of Mills’s mentorship early in her career. “Donna welcomed me like a sister,” McCashin told a classic TV magazine in 1983. Their chemistry translated on screen, helping to fuel some of the series’ most memorable storylines.
Today, both women remain active on social media, sharing updates with a loyal fan base. McCashin often posts snapshots of family life, while Mills balances behind-the-scenes memories with promotions for her podcast and other ventures, including her vineyard collaboration.
Fans of the primetime drama continue to celebrate their favorite Laura and Abby moments online. Hashtags like #KnotsLanding and #SeaviewCircle trend each year around the show’s anniversary, as viewers revisit classic episodes and behind-the-scenes footage.
Their birthday exchange is more than a social-media gesture—it’s a reminder of how enduring friendships can outlast even the longest-running dramas.
Whether they’re recalling early 80s wardrobe shenanigans, raising a toast on National Wine Day or reliving key episodes, Mills and McCashin show that some bonds only grow stronger with time. Today’s tribute highlights not only a birthday milestone but also the genuine affection that keeps fans tuning in, long after the cameras stopped rolling.
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