In a candid conversation on their new podcast “We’re Knot Done Yet,” Joan Van Ark, Michele Lee, and Donna Mills, former stars of the hit TV series Knots Landing, shared their personal experiences with plastic surgery and why they believe the key to subtle results lies in having procedures done earlier in life.
On the April 21 episode, the three actresses, who have received numerous fan questions about their cosmetic procedures, offered advice to those considering surgery. Michele Lee (82), who played Karen MacKenzie on the show, spoke about her own experiences and the importance of timing.
“I have had plastic surgery, so let’s go on with what I feel about it,” Lee said. “What I would say to anyone who’s thinking of it is they should do it early. I wouldn’t wait till you’re over 60 because when you do it early, it’s more subtle, a little at a time, not noticeable as you’re getting older, more natural-looking.”
Donna Mills (84), who portrayed the notorious Abby Cunningham, echoed Lee’s sentiment. “Yeah, I would agree with that,” Mills said. “I think there’s a certain point where it’s really helpful, probably in your 40s. Then it lasts you longer. It keeps you younger-looking longer. Don’t do it too much. If you do it too much, it’s ugly and horrible.”
Lee went on to reveal that she had eye surgery in her 40s, and nobody noticed. “Hardly anyone could notice it. In fact, I was sitting next to the president of CBS at a dinner party six days after my surgery,” Lee shared.
When asked if she was still in bandages, Lee responded confidently, “No, I was gorgeous.”
On the set of Knots Landing, Lee recounted how a makeup artist helped her cover up her bruises after the procedure. “What she said, because I was a little black and blue, was, ‘Don’t worry, I’m gonna work it out. I’m gonna blend it,’” Lee said with a smile.
Mills also opened up about her own cosmetic surgery experience. She admitted to having a facelift in her 40s, noting that it was subtle but lasting. “Back when I was in my 40s, on Knots Landing, yes, I did a lift,” Mills said. “And it was subtle, but it lasted, you know. And I haven’t done anything since.”
She also discussed how skin changes with age, noting that older skin isn’t as pliable, which can result in an overly “pulled” look. “That’s why I say I think it’s better to do it then, and then don’t think about doing it anymore when you’re older,” Mills advised.
In a lighter moment from an earlier podcast episode, the actresses revisited a rocky start they had with each other during the early days on set. Lee and Mills didn’t initially get along, and the tension became evident during a particular scene with Ted Shackelford. “I had no idea what I did wrong, of course I never do,” Lee confessed, recalling the moment when Mills and Shackelford gave her a cold stare and walked off set. “I thought, ‘Holy s—, what just happened?’” Lee added.
Mills remembered the exchange, saying, “Don’t push me around. If you want something, tell me, but don’t push me around. You can’t do that to me.” She later reflected, “I think it got over a hump for us. It made us better friends because we confronted that, said it, and went on.”
The two actresses acknowledged how far they had come in their friendship, revealing that their relationship only grew stronger after overcoming that initial tension.
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