Michael from ‘Grease 2’ Fell for Divorcée Who Was His Senior before Hollywood ‘Benched’ Him — Their Life in Ojai

• Maxwell Caulfield played Michael on "Grease 2," the boyfriend of Michelle Pfeiffer's character.
• He married a divorcée 18 years his senior while on a constant search for stable work in Hollywood.
• Now, he lives a new life away from the spotlight in Ojai. Here's what he's been up to.

Maxwell Caulfield has had several acting credits since moving to New York in 1978. His debut was on "Grease 2" alongside Michelle Pfeiffer, the film that made the actress a star.

The "Grease" sequel tanked at the box office but was responsible for Pfeiffer's fame. It was a bitter experience for Caulfield, who felt he had an equally important role in the film, yet his career stayed stagnant.

"It was, psychologically, quite a kick in the pants," he admitted. The actor played Michael Carrington alongside Pfeiffer's Stephanie Zinone.

Caulfield had several TV movies and series after "Grease 2," but none were significant enough to launch him to stardom like his co-star. He recalled being "benched" from Hollywood movies, which led him to settle for several small-time roles before returning to the big screen in the 1990s.

Some of his most notable work included playing Miles Colby on "Dynasty" and later in "The Colbys" in the 1980s.

He also starred as the iconic Rex Manning in "Empire Records" in 1995, in the TV series "Strip Mall" for 21 episodes, and in "Casualty" for 58 episodes from 2003 to 2004. Through the years, he's had minor appearances in films and shows.

Maxwell Caulfield's Life Outside Hollywood

After his debut in "Grease 2," Caulfield found love in an older actress. Within a couple of months of meeting Juliet Mills, he proposed to her by letting two doves fly out of his tuxedo pockets before popping the question.

He married Mills on December 2, 1980, and remains married today. They wed on a romantic clifftop overlooking the Pacific Ocean and had a simple reception at Mills' home in Beverly Hills.

Caulfield planned the romantic wedding by himself. He had every detail planned out, meticulous about how their home would be decorated for the reception.

Mills, who played the nanny on the show "Nanny and the Professor" from 1970 to 1971, was married twice before her union with Caulfield. She has two children from her two previous marriages to Michael Milan Miklenda and Russell Edward Alquist Jr.

Mills and Caulfield met on the set of the award-winning play "The Elephant Man." At the time, the up-and-coming actor was only 21, while Mills was 39.

People doubted their marriage would last, given their age difference, but they've proven time and time again that their love was real. The age gap never bothered them, and it wasn't big news even to those in their community.

They felt nothing but euphoria regarding their relationship and never worried about their significant age gap. As Mills declared it was love at first sight, nothing could stop their romance. She insisted their connection was on a psychic level:

"I believe in reincarnation, and I believe I'd known Maxwell in another life. It was like saying, 'Oh hello, there you are.'"

Caulfield agreed. "There was a connection on a psychic level. It was instantaneous for us both," he said.

Mills was glad to have someone care for her in a way nobody else had. She felt secure, safe, and beloved in such a quick period, and she knew she finally found the one for her.

Their first date was to watch Harold Pinter's Broadway show, "Betrayal." While watching the show, he was between Mills and Natalie Wood – a real "pinch me" moment for the actor.

Mills, the daughter of Sir John Mills, flocked to her dad for approval. When he didn't bat an eye regarding their age gap, she knew they were about to silence their critics once and for all.

Living a Quiet Life Away from Hollywood

Caulfield and Mills continue to act, but they're self-proclaimed homebodies whenever they aren't at work. They enjoy cooking and gardening during their spare time.

The couple moved to Ojai, an hour and a half away from Los Angeles, to give themselves a bigger garden where they grow different fruits and have a rose garden.

Mills' two adult children took Caulfield's last name.

Caulfield and Mills are British nationals but have long been US citizens. They admittedly miss certain aspects of the UK, particularly chocolate digestives, Bisto, Marmite, tea, pickles, and Horlicks. Whenever they go to the UK, they bring a supply with them.

The couple filmed "English Estate" together, a movie shot amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. They played supporting roles, describing the film as a "lovely, romantic story" set in England.

Years into their marriage, Caulfield admits Mills "brings out the romantic" in him. While they have disagreements, they never let the sun go down without resolving their issues.

Never going to bed angry is the key to their marriage. They get along well and communicate with one another whenever they need to discuss and decide on something as a couple.

Caulfield doesn't have biological children, but the actor is a proud stepfather to Mills' two children, Melissa and Sean. Mills' two adult children took Caulfield's last name.