Sir John Mills CBE was one of Britain's most popular and beloved actors who was the star of over 100 films. Mills was born at the Watts Naval Training College in North Elmham, Norfolk and grew up in Felistowe, Suffolk. Mills graduated from the Norwich Grammar School of Boys before embarking on his screen career which would stretch over eight decades. Mills had his Hollywood debut in Goodbye Mr. Chips! And appeared in the classic In Which We Serve. Throughout his long and successful career Mills played a variety of characters, portraying the quintessential English hero memorably. Mills also worked as both producer and director, directing his daughter Hayley in Gypsy Girl, from a script written by his wife. Mills had established himself as an innovative English film star and in 1960 was appointed CBE and knighted in 1976. BAFTA honoured Mills with a special tribute award in 1987 and a fellowship, its highest bestowment, in 2002. He was honoured also with a British Film Institute Fellowship in 1987 and was named a Disney Legend by the Walt Disney Co.