Minnie Mills Biography, Age, Net Worth & Career
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Minnie Mills is a British-Canadian actress best known for playing Shayla in The Summer I Turned Pretty. Learn about her early life, Korean heritage, family background, career path, and net worth in 2025.
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About Minnie Mills
Minnie Mills (born January 21, 2002) is a British-Canadian actress and model recognized for her fan-favorite role as Shayla Wang in The Summer I Turned Pretty (Season 1 & Season 3). Known for her grace, intelligence, and emotional acting style, Minnie has become one of the standout young stars in Hollywood.
Her performance as Shayla kind, stylish, and quietly confident helped her gain a loyal audience. After taking time away from acting for school, her return was highly celebrated by fans.
Early Life & Background
- Full Name: Minnie Mills
- Date of Birth: January 21, 2002
- Birthplace: London, United Kingdom
- Nationality: British-Canadian
- Ethnicity: Half Korean, Half Canadian
- Raised in: New York City
- Siblings: One younger sister, Emma Mills
Minnie was born in London to a Korean mother and Canadian father. She spent her childhood between London, Canada, and New York City, shaping her multicultural identity.
She has strong ties to her Korean heritage and often speaks about the importance of representation and belonging. Minnie grew up involved in sports, dance, and acting programs, which helped build her confidence on stage.
Education
- Professional Children’s School, NYC
- Columbia University (pre-med track before focusing fully on acting)
Minnie attended the Professional Children’s School, known for supporting young performers balancing education with acting careers.
She later enrolled at Columbia University, taking a break from acting to focus on academics before returning for The Summer I Turned Pretty.
Career Journey & Breakthrough
Early Modeling & Acting
Before acting, Minnie worked as a model. She appeared in campaigns for youth and teen brands while training in acting studios across New York.
Breakthrough — The Summer I Turned Pretty
Minnie found global recognition after being cast as Shayla Wang, Steven’s love interest in Season 1. Her character is:
- Stylish
- Genuine
- Grounded
- Supportive
- Emotionally steady
Shayla quickly became a favorite among viewers for her healthy relationship dynamics with Steven, played by Sean Kaufman.
After stepping away for academic reasons, she returned in Season 3, bringing Shayla back into the story with new maturity and emotional depth. Her comeback became one of the most celebrated returns in the series.
Personal Life
- Lives in: New York & Los Angeles
- Relationship: Private (no confirmed public partner)
- Languages: English, conversational Korean
- Interests: Fashion, reading, skincare, advocacy for Asian representation
Minnie keeps her personal life off social media, focusing instead on education, wellness, and her acting craft.
She is widely admired for her calm personality and thoughtful communication.
Net Worth & Income
- Estimated Net Worth (2025): $500,000 – $1 million
- Primary Sources:
- Acting
- Modeling
- Brand deals
- Partnerships and campaigns
Her role in TSITP and her modeling background contribute most to her earnings.
Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Height | ~5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Hair | Dark brown |
| Eyes | Brown |
| Build | Slim |
| Ethnicity | Korean–Canadian |
Minnie is also known for her elegant fashion sense and soft beauty style, which influenced her character Shayla’s iconic looks.
Filmography & Notable Work
- The Summer I Turned Pretty — Shayla (Season 1 & Season 3)
- Modeling Campaigns — Various brands during her early career
Minnie’s acting credits are selective due to her academic commitments, but her impact is significant.
Interesting Facts & Trivia
- Minnie is half Korean, and fans appreciate how she embraces her culture.
- She practiced taekwondo growing up.
- She is close friends with several TSITP cast members, especially Sean Kaufman.
- Minnie left Season 2 of TSITP to focus on school, not because of creative decisions.
- Her return in Season 3 was confirmed through a highly teased reveal that excited fans worldwide.
- Shayla’s fashion style on the show was influenced by Minnie’s own wardrobe inspirations.
People Also Ask
Q1: Who is Minnie Mills?
Minnie Mills is a British-Canadian actress best known for playing Shayla in The Summer I Turned Pretty.
Q2: How old is Minnie Mills in 2025?
She is 23 years old.
Q3: What is Minnie Mills’ ethnicity?
She is half Korean and half Canadian.
Q4: Why did Minnie Mills leave TSITP Season 2?
She chose to step away to focus on her education.
Q5: What is her net worth?
Her net worth is estimated between $500,000 and $1 million.
Final Thoughts
Minnie Mills is one of the most grounded and inspiring young actresses in the industry today. Her blend of intelligence, cultural pride, and emotional acting make her an unforgettable part of The Summer I Turned Pretty. Shayla’s impact wouldn’t be the same without Minnie’s grace, warmth, and authenticity.
Whether she continues acting full-time or balances it with academics, Minnie’s future is bright and fans will always welcome her back on-screen.
