Soap-Hopper Alley Mills Takes Break As General Hospital's Heather For A Bold And The Beautiful Christmas

Actress Alley Mills has a prolific career going all the way back to 1965. Her TV and film credits span the decades and include "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," "Yes, Dear," and, more recently, the indie film "Last Chance Charlene." Her most famous role was as the mom, Norma Arnold, on "The Wonder Years." 

Today, Mills is well-known by soap fans for playing Pamela Douglas on "The Bold and the Beautiful." According to Soap Central, Pam has caused all kinds of trouble over the years, including threatening and poisoning people. Perhaps her most memorable misdeed was when she poured honey on Donna Logan (Jennifer Gareis) so that a bear would kill the young woman. Luckily, Owen Knight (Brandon Beemer) rushed in and saved Donna from being eaten, per Soaps.

Mills also does double duty as she recently took over the role of psychotic Heather Webber on "General Hospital," a role formerly played by Robin Mattson. Heather has a long history of terrorizing Port Charles, and Mills had no trouble slipping into that part. The actress has worked hard to honor Mattson's portrayal of Heather, even going so far as to make sure her hair and eyebrows were the same color as Mattson's (via Soap Opera Digest).

But, now, duty calls — and Mills is headed back to "The Bold and the Beautiful."

The holiday season on "The Bold and the Beautiful" is always full of fun, and this year seems no different. While fans eagerly await Eric Forrester (John McCook) playing Christmas carols on the piano, other surprises include the return of Grace Buckingham (Cassandra Creech) and Pamela Douglas (Alley Mills), per Soaps. The sister of the late Stephanie Forrester (Susan Flannery), Pam's appearance in the show's Christmas photos has fans eager to find out what hijinks she'll be up to.

CBS posted photos from "B&B" Christmas celebrations of the past. While Mills is having fun in several of them, one, in particular, has McCook at the piano with Mills and legendary actress Betty White. The trio would sing songs between shooting scenes, livening up the day. 

In December 2021, Mills spoke to Soap Central about what her perfect Christmas morning would look like. She said she would be "surrounded by family, lots of squealing children, smells of turkey roasting, and beautiful Christmas music playing." The actress lamented the death of her husband, actor Orson Bean, stating her gratitude for their relationship. "I will be so grateful that he left me with such a loving family and friends and a better understanding of gratitude, no matter what surroundings I may find myself in," she said.

"The Bold and the Beautiful" recently posted a video on Instagram in which several stars share their favorite Christmas moments and traditions. Actress Alley Mills was with Thorsten Kaye, and she told a touching story about how she didn't have time to get a tree this year. But, when she got home one day, Kaye surprised her with a tree. Fans were touched by Mills' sweet tale.

Mills spoke to Soap Opera Digest about taking on the role of Heather Webber on "General Hospital" in addition to playing Pam on "B&B." The actress explained that she was taking things slow after the death of her husband, Orson Bean, and had passed on quite a few offers. But, when the "GH" role came up, she jumped at the chance, feeling that Bean would have wanted her to take the part. 

Mills is certainly ready for a "B&B" Christmas considering she and Bean once put on a stage production of "A Christmas Carol," per Soaps. She was also in the TV movie "A Golden Christmas" as well as the 2011 film "3 Holiday Tails." Pam and Charlie Webber (Dick Christie) will most likely be preparing the Christmas dinner for the Forrester family this year, per Soaps.

We certainly can't wait to see what shenanigans happen this holiday season.