Susan Henning the uncredited star of The Parent Trap

The Parent Trap had an unsung hero

Susan Henning may not be a household name but the actress had a memorable role in a classic Disney film that many may not be aware of. She had no lines, no one saw her face, and she received no credit. Susan was hired specifically as a body double for Haley Mills who started in the 1961 hit movie The Parent Trap and Henning happily signed away all her rights.

The opening of the movie stayed Haley Mills and Haley Mills but this is somewhat deceptive. In the credits Mills is listed as portraying both twins Susan and Sharon and the actress later explained that a split-screen was used. Mills has been praised for her talent in the film but there were some scenes where you saw one twin from behind or the side and it was Henning.

Each time the twins embraced it was Henning who was seen from the rear. Henning also revealed that during filming of the guitar playing scene she was actually opposite Mills while they taped but se was edited out and the two versions of Haley are what the audience saw. Click on the link and you can see when the double was on screen.Henning said a lot of effort went into making sure she looked like Mills including wearing a padded bra a wig and a fake nose.

Susan Henning getting to know her

Henning says she had fun while filming The Parent Trap because she was part of a team, and never felt slighted. During an interview, she revealed that she and Mills got along well and have remained friends over the years. Jennings said that in 1962 “Uncle Walt” (Disney) gave her the honor of being the first of only three recipients of the Ducky Award which was given in-house. Susan won for her outstanding performance as a double in a non-speaking role.

Susan Patricia Henning was born on January 20, 1947, in North Hollywood and grew up in the San Fernando Valley and LA. She said she began her career at age six as a model and she is also a dancer. Her first name is in honor of actress Susan Hayward and her middle name is for author Patricia Ziegfeld Stephenson. Her first film role was in the Western television series Wagon Train in the episode The Ella Lindstrom Story in 1959. In 1965 she won the Miss Teen USA pageant and in 1967 she had a role in the Disney - Musical The Gnome-Mobile as a gnome maiden.

The Elvis factor

In 1968 she was in an Elvis Presley, television special and the chemistry between the two was amazing. Rumors were flying that the duo was an item and some fans were troubled because Priscilla Presley had just given birth to Lisa Marie. Shortly after the Elvis special Henning left the world of entertainment behind and retired from show business.

Some wonder if the relationship with the king of Rock snd Roll has anything to do with it but Henning has not discussed the matter. What is known is that she is married to Edward Schutte and sometimes goes by Susan Jenning Schutte.

A legacy among classic films

The Parent Trap is a rare gem that is a legacy among classic films. It’s heartwarming, family friendly and entertaining and brings back warm memories to those who recall it from childhood. Although there have been remakes of this movie they don’t measure up to the original. It brings to mind the phrases “Don’nt mess with perfection” and “ If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” You can currently watch this beloved film on the Disney + streaming service.