Hilary Duff

Hilary Duff
Duff at her wedding dress fitting for Vogue magazine in 2019
Born	Hilary Erhard Duff (1987-09-28) September 28, 1987 (age 33) Houston, Texas, U.S.
Education	Harvard Extension School
Occupation	Actress singer songwriter producer businesswoman
Years active	1993–present
Spouse(s)	Mike Comrie ​ ​ (m. 2010; div. 2016)​ Matthew Koma ​ ​ (m. 2019)​
Children	3
Relatives	Haylie Duff (sister)
Musical career
Genres	Pop pop rock dance-pop
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	Buena Vista Hollywood RCA Walt Disney
Associated acts
Website	hilaryduff.com
Musical artist

Hilary Erhard Duff (born September 28, 1987) is an American actress, singer, songwriter, businesswoman, producer, and writer. Duff began her acting career at a young age and quickly became labeled a teen idol as the title character of the television series Lizzie McGuire (2001–2004) and in the film based on the series, The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003). Thereafter she gained numerous leading roles, in films such as Cadet Kelly (2002), Agent Cody Banks (2003), Cheaper by the Dozen (2003), A Cinderella Story (2004), and Cheaper by the Dozen 2 (2005). She later appeared in independent films playing a wider range of roles, such as a promiscuous popstar in War, Inc. (2008), a suicidal, rebellious teenager in According to Greta (2009), and as the dramatic title character in the controversial horror-thriller film The Haunting of Sharon Tate (2019), inspired by the real life Tate–LaBianca murders. She also executive produced several of the projects she starred in. From 2015 until 2021 Duff starred as Kelsey Peters in TV Land’s longest-running original comedy series Younger, for which she received two People's Choice Awards nominations for the role in 2016 and 2017 respectively.

Duff first came to prominence in music after releasing her Christmas-themed debut studio album, Santa Claus Lane (2002), through Walt Disney Records. Her second studio album Metamorphosis (2003) was hugely successful, topping the Billboard charts and was certified triple-platinum. She enjoyed significant commercial success and platinum and gold certifications with her subsequent studio albums released through Hollywood Records; Hilary Duff (2004), Most Wanted (2005), and Dignity (2007). The latter earned her acclaim for experimenting with dance music, despite the unpopularity of the genre at the time. Following a hiatus from music, Duff signed with RCA Records for her fifth studio album, Breathe In. Breathe Out. (2015), which debuted in the top five positions in the US, Canada and Australia. In addition to music and acting, she has also co-authored a trilogy of novels, beginning with Elixir (2010), which became a New York Times best seller, and followed by the sequels Devoted (2011) and True (2013).

Duff's success in the entertainment industry led her to venture into business with fashion lines of her own such as Stuff by Hilary Duff, Femme for DKNY, and most recently the "Muse x Hilary Duff" collection, a collaborative effort with GlassesUSA which was credited to have boosted GlassesUSA's sales for its premium brands. She has also invested in a number of businesses ranging from cosmetics to children's products. In 2019, she was appointed as the chief brand officer of Naturalena Brands' "Happy Little Camper" and "Veeda" lines of products; although this partnership ended with a lawsuit in 2021. Duff has been the subject of media attention throughout her career, with interest focusing on her romantic relationships and public image, especially her relationships with Aaron Carter and Joel Madden when she was a teenager. Duff has been married twice, firstly to former professional ice hockey player Mike Comrie from 2010 till 2016, and later to record producer and singer-songwriter Matthew Koma since 2019. Duff has also been hailed as an inspiration by subsequent Disney teen stars such as Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Bridgit Mendler, and Selena Gomez and has sold an estimated 15 million records since her debut in 2002.^[1]

Life and career[]

1987–2000: Early life and career beginnings[]

Duff was born on September 28, 1987 in Houston, Texas.^[2][3][4] Her parents are Robert Erhard Duff, a partner in a chain of convenience stores, and Susan Colleen Duff (née Cobb), a homemaker turned film and music producer. Duff has one older sister named Haylie.^[4] She was raised between Houston and San Antonio, the locations of her father's convenience stores. Encouraged by their mother, both Hilary and her sister enrolled in acting, singing and ballet classes.^[5] The siblings earned roles in local theater productions, and later participated in a touring BalletMet production of The Nutcracker in San Antonio.^[4] Increasingly interested in the pursuit of show business, the Duff sisters and their mother moved to California in 1993, while their father stayed in Houston to take care of his business.^[5] The sisters auditioned for several years and were cast in many television commercials.^[5] Due to her acting career, Duff was home-schooled from the age of eight.^[6] The pair also modeled for various clothing brands.^[7] Duff stated, "My sister and I really showed an interest in [performing] and dedication, and [our mother] was like, 'How can I tell my kids no?' It's the same as kids that are going into sports. Parents support them and push them."^[8]

During her initial acting years, Duff primarily played minor roles, such as her uncredited part in the Hallmark Entertainment western miniseries True Women (1997)^[9] and as an uncredited extra in the ensemble comedy-drama Playing by Heart (1998). The same year, Duff landed her first major role as Wendy in Casper Meets Wendy, based on the Harvey Comics characters.^[10][11] After appearing in the supporting role of Ellie in the television film The Soul Collector (1999), Duff received a Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Movie or Pilot (Supporting Young Actress).^[12] In March 2000, Duff appeared as a sick child in the CBS medical drama series Chicago Hope. She was next cast as one of the children in the pilot episode of the NBC comedy series Daddio.^[5] Her Daddio co-star Michael Chiklis stated, "After working with her the first day, I remember saying to my wife, 'This young girl is gonna be a movie star.' She was completely at ease with herself and comfortable in her own skin."^[5] However, producers dropped Duff from the cast prior to the airing of the show.^[5]

2000–2006: Mainstream success in acting and music[]

Duff with Texas Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn in 2004

A week after being dropped from Daddio, Duff landed the title role of a newly developed Disney Channel series, Lizzie McGuire.^[5] Lizzie McGuire premiered on January 12, 2001, and became a ratings hit, with an estimated 2.3 million viewers per episode.^[5] Duff quickly became labeled as a teen idol and household name, particularly within the show's pre-teen adolescent target demographic.^[13] Disney began marketing the series through soundtracks, books, dolls, toys, and video games based on Duff's character; the company reportedly made an estimated $100 million from the show's merchandise alone.^[14] The actress was featured in the video game that was created for her Lizzie McGuire character and was released on the Game Boy system.^[15] Duff made her feature film debut in Human Nature (2002), in which she portrayed the younger version of Patricia Arquette's character.^[16] Duff also starred in the 2002 Disney Channel television film Cadet Kelly, which became the network's most watched program in its 19-year history.^[5]

Duff began making appearances on various soundtracks for the Disney channel, recording a cover of the Brooke McClymont song "I Can't Wait" for the soundtrack to Lizzie McGuire.^[17] She later recorded a cover of "The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room" for DisneyMania.^[17] Upon expressing interest in a music career, production on Duff's debut Christmas themed album began.^[17] Santa Claus Lane was released in October 2002, charting in the lower portion of the Billboard 200 chart in the United States. The album was initially distributed through Walt Disney Records, with Buena Vista later re-releasing the project. It went on to receive a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments exceeding 500,000 copies.^[18][19] Despite initially only being released in North America, the album received numerous re-releases in the following years. Duff later signed a recording contract with Andre Recke of Hollywood Records to release future recordings.^[20] Though her early music recordings garnered much success on Radio Disney, Recke and Buena Vista Records envisioned Duff appealing to a more mature audience.^[17]

In 2003, Duff earned a co-starring role in the children's action comedy film Agent Cody Banks with Frankie Muniz. Scott Foundas of Variety called Duff's performance "charming," and thought she was "sidelined with little to do much of the time."^[21] The same year, Duff reprised her role as Lizzie McGuire for The Lizzie McGuire Movie.^[22][23][24] The film saw her also portraying the character of Isabella Parigi, an Italian pop star who McGuire is later mistaken for. Duff recorded the original song "What Dreams Are Made Of" for the film's finale, which was later included on the film's soundtrack.^[25] She also recorded the song "Why Not," which released as Duff's debut single, though the song was not released as a single release in North America.^[26] The song became a top-twenty hit in Australia and New Zealand, becoming her first song to chart worldwide.^[27] The soundtrack to The Lizzie McGuire Movie went on to be certified Platinum in Canada and 2x Platinum by the RIAA.^[28]

Duff released her second studio album, Metamorphosis, in August 2003.^[29] The album received mixed reviews from contemporary music critics, though it went on to reach the top of the Billboard 200 chart in the United States.^[30] The album became a major hit for Duff, going on to sell over five million copies within its first two years of release.^[4][31] The album sold over three million copies in the United States, becoming her highest selling album to date and earning a 3x Platinum certification from the RIAA.^[32] The album spawned the successful singles "So Yesterday" and "Come Clean". While "So Yesterday" achieved Platinum status in Australia, "Come Clean" went on to become her first hit in the United States.^[33][34] "Come Clean" was used as the theme song to the popular MTV series Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County and went on to receive a Gold certification from the RIAA.^[35] Metamorphosis earned Duff multiple awards and nominations following its release.^[36] Duff further promoted the album with the Metamorphosis Tour that ran from November to December 2003.^[37] Later that year, Duff co-starred as one of the twelve children of Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt in the family comedy Cheaper by the Dozen, which remains her highest-grossing film to date. Slant Magazine reviewer Nick Schager wrote that Duff "does nothing more than look perky and stylish."^[38][39]

Lizzie McGuire aired its final episode on February 14, 2004, following the fulfillment of Duff's 65-episode contract. Despite reports that the series was in talks for a second film and further television spin-off considered for sister network ABC, these plans fell through as Duff's salary for the proposal was insufficient.^[40] The same year, she starred opposite Chad Michael Murray in the romantic comedy A Cinderella Story. The film went on to become a moderate box office hit despite negative reviews.^[38][41][42] At the 2004 World Music Awards, Duff won the Best New Female Artist award. Duff's self-titled third studio album was released in September of that year. Duff was more involved in the production of this album than she had been in the production of her previous record, hoping of departing from the image she had developed during Lizzie McGuire.^[43] The album, featuring prominent rock elements and drawing comparison to works from Avril Lavigne and Ashlee Simpson, debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and went on to sell over 1.8 million copies in the United States.^[44] The album contained one single released as such in the United States, which failed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Later in the year, Duff starred in the musical drama Raise Your Voice. The film, however, was panned and unsuccessful at the box office.^[45] Several reviews, however, while indifferent to Duff's acting performance, were critical of her vocals, a number finding fault with what appeared to be her digitally enhanced voice.^[46][47][48] Her performances in A Cinderella Story and Raise Your Voice earned Duff her first Razzie nomination for Worst Actress in 2004.^[49] Duff launched her first clothing line, "Stuff by Hilary Duff," in 2004. The line was distributed by Target in the U.S., Kmart in Australia, Zellers in Canada, and Edgars Stores in South Africa from March 2004 until 2007.^[50]

Duff in 2005

In 2005, Duff had a starring role in the film The Perfect Man, starring alongside Heather Locklear, which went onto become a box office success. The Village Voice's Matt Singer wrote, "Duff plays her standard character—an introverted romantic who falls for a guy whose hunky exterior belies an artistic soul.".^[51] That August, Duff released her first compilation album, entitled Most Wanted.^[52] The album featured songs from Duff's previous albums, as well as remixes and new material and included the hit single "Wake Up," which went on to become her second single to be certified Gold by the RIAA.^[35] The compilation debuted at number one on the Billboard 200,^[53] and had sold over one million copies a month after its release.^[54][55] Duff later appeared in Cheaper by the Dozen 2, which resulted in her second Razzie nomination for Worst Actress in 2005.^[56] Mike Clarke of USA Today said, "Duff just looks like she'd rather be in a different movie."^[57][58]

Duff performing in 2006

Duff co-starred with her sister Haylie in the satirical comedy Material Girls (2006). The film earned both sisters a shared Razzie Award nomination for Worst Actress, becoming Duff's third consecutive nomination in three years.^[59] The sisters were also nominated for Worst Screen Couple.^[60] Hilary and Haylie collaborated on a cover of Madonna's single "Material Girl" for the film's soundtrack.^[61] Duff released her first perfume, "With Love... Hilary Duff," in September 2006. The line was distributed by the Elizabeth Arden company. Initially only sold in Macy's department stores, the fragrance became available in Europe, Japan, and Canada and was one of the three best-selling fragrances launched in department stores in 2006.^[62] That same year, Duff was stalked by a 19-year-old Russian immigrant identified as Max and his 50-year-old roommate David Joseph Klein. She filed for restraining orders against the two men,^[63] claiming that Max "threatened to kill himself" to get her attention. She also alleged that he threatened to "remove enemies" who stand in his way, including Duff's boyfriend at the time Joel Madden. Max, later identified as Maksim Myaskovskiy, was sentenced to 117 days in prison.^[64]

2007–2010: Dignity and independent films[]

In 2007, Duff began working on material for her fourth studio album. Duff co-wrote thirteen of the album's fourteen songs, along with writers such as Kara DioGuardi.^[65] The finished product, Dignity (2007), featured production from Rhett Lawrence, Tim & Bob, and Richard Vission, resulting in a dance and electropop sound for the record.^[66][67][68] The album received critical praise, despite some critics noting Duff's "weak" vocals. The album was praised for its lyrical content and new musical direction.^[69] The album dealt with topics such as her parents' divorce, her breakup with Joel Madden, and the stalking incident during the prior year. Despite a positive critical reception, Dignity failed to match the commercial success of her previous releases. Debuting at number three on the Billboard 200, the album failed to receive higher than a Gold certification from the RIAA.^[35] Despite the album's lackluster performance, it included the single "With Love," which went on to become her highest charting single in the United States. Both "With Love" and the album's third single, "Stranger," topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in the United States.^[70][71] A television special titled Hilary Duff: This Is Now was produced to chronicle Duff's return to music. The two-part project aired on MTV before the album's release.^[72] The series reportedly took sixty weeks to complete filming, and saw Duff both recording and preparing for the release of Dignity.^[73][74]

Duff sisters at the premiere of War, Inc. at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 28, 2008

Following the release of Dignity and the music videos for "With Love" and "Stranger," Duff began to adapt a more mature image. Duff's new image inspired some to consider her a "sex symbol."^[75] This image was reinforced by her appearance in the political satire film War, Inc. (2008), in which Duff portrayed an "oversexed" Central Asian pop star named Yonica Babyyeah. The film received a limited release in the United States.^[76] Duff recorded the songs "Boom Boom Bang Bang" and "I Want to Blow You Up" for the film.^[76] Despite initially announcing a deluxe edition of Dignity for a 2008 release, Duff later confirmed that she would release a greatest hits album to fulfill her contract with Hollywood Records.^[77] Best of Hilary Duff (2008) received no promotion prior to its release, entering the Billboard 200 at number 125.^[78] It became her first album released in the United States to not receive a certification from the RIAA.^[78] The compilation included the single "Reach Out," which sampled the Depeche Mode song "Personal Jesus."^[79] The song featured provocative lyrics referencing sex, while its music video saw Duff both humping a statue and sucking a man's thumb.^[80][81] The song became her third consecutive single to top the Hot Dance Club Play chart in the United States. She announced to MTV that she would begin writing another album in December 2008, but it was never developed.^[82][83] That same year, Duff ceased to have control over Stuff by Hilary Duff, thus the line was discontinued.^[84][85]

Duff had a leading role as the title character of the film According to Greta (2009), which chronicled the life of a suicidal and rebellious teen. Her performance received mixed reviews. Andrew Barker of Variety criticized Duff's "child star" approach to acting and wanted her to stay away from teen roles.^[86] However, Los Angeles Times critic Robert Abele wrote that her attempt to "transform her bright-eyed wholesomeness into rebellious snark" in Greta "is a valiant one."^[87] Later that year, she co-starred as a narcissistic seductress in What Goes Up. Brian Lowry of Variety magazine stated that Duff's performance "amounts to a near-adult role," yet labeled her role and the film "confused."^[88] Despite having previously turned down a role in The CW drama 90210 to avoid projects within the "teen" genre, it was later confirmed that Duff would appear as a recurring character in the third season of the hit series Gossip Girl.^[89][90] Duff portrayed famous actress Olivia Burke, who enrolled at New York University in search of a traditional college experience. Duff's character sparked a romantic relationship with male lead character Dan Humphrey, and was later the center of controversy when the two had a threesome with Humphrey's friend Vanessa Abrams.^[91] Enid Portugez of the LA Times praised her performance by giving a positive review to her involvement in this adult role.^[92] The following year, she won a Teen Choice Award for Best Television Female Scene Stealer for her appearance on Gossip Girl.^[93] In 2009, Duff collaborated with DKNY Jeans where she co-designed a collection of special pieces. With the objective of designing a clothing line for women her own age, the collaborative apparel line, titled Femme for DKNY Jeans, debuted in the United States in August 2009 and was around for a limited time.^{[94][95][96][97]} She also did the voice of Viki in the children's animated musical series, Angelina Ballerina: The Next Steps from 2009 to 2010.

2010–2013: Other endeavors[]

Duff at a signing for Elixir in 2010

Duff continued to appear in film roles, starring in the ABC Family television film Beauty & the Briefcase (2010), where she also served as an executive producer. The film saw Duff as a fashion magazine columnist who wrote about her dating struggles in the city. The premiere received 2.4 million viewers attracting a strong female audience that drove the network to an all-time high in viewers.^[98] Following this appearance, she made another in an episode of the NBC sitcom Community.^[99][100] She then co-starred as Raven Halfacre, the teenage daughter of a promiscuous alcoholic, in the drama Bloodworth, in which, despite not warming to the film, Los Angeles Times reviewer Sheri Linden thought she "acquits herself well." The Examiner also wrote that the "biggest surprise performance [in the film] probably belongs to Hilary Duff."^[101] In 2010, Duff set up a book-writing deal with Simon & Schuster.^[102] Published in October 2010, the first young adult novel to result from her and Elise Allen's collaboration was entitled Elixir. It was subsequently released internationally and became a New York Times best-seller.^[103]

The following year, Duff co-starred in the Polish brothers' comedy Stay Cool (2011) to neither much critical nor commercial acclaim or success.^[104][105] The independent film saw Duff in a major role alongside Winona Ryder among others. Devoted, the sequel to Duff's authorial debut, was released in October 2011. Devoted picks up where its predecessor left off and continues the story of the original novel.^[106] That same month, Duff alluded to working on her fifth studio album to E!.^[107] In January 2012, she confirmed, through her official website and Twitter, that she had again begun recording songs.^[108][109] Throughout the recording sessions in 2012, Duff primarily worked with songwriter Ali Tamposi, musicians Matt Squire and Jason Evigan. However, those songs did not make the final cut on Duff's album.^[110] The same year, she co-starred in Rob Margolies' comedy She Wants Me, as a well-known starlet who enters a love triangle.^[111] In August 2012, Duff signed a deal with 20th Century Fox to develop and produce a sitcom in which she would star. According to the deal if the thirty-minute sitcom failed to work, Duff would be cast in a different show. However, this plan failed to develop.^{[112][113][114]} She appeared as a guest judge in Project Runway that September.^[115]

In early 2013, Duff guest starred in the Fox sitcom Raising Hope,^[116] her first role since the birth of her child. She later guest starred in the tenth season finale of the CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men.^[117] Duff provided voice work for the animated film Wings, alongside Jesse McCartney and Josh Duhamel; she later appeared in its sequel the following year. By July 2013, Duff had finished filming the independent film Flock of Dudes, which was released in September 2016.^[118] That same year, Duff released the third and final novel in her Elixir trilogy, titled True (2013).^[119]

2014–2017: Younger and Breathe In. Breathe Out.[]

Duff in 2017

On January 15, 2014, Duff signed on to co-star opposite Sutton Foster in the comedy-drama pilot Younger. The series is based on a Pamela Redmond Satran novel, and created and executive-produced by Darren Star for TV Land. Duff was cast as Kelsey Peters, an "ambitious 20-something" who persuades Foster's character to work in a publishing firm.^[120] In April 2014, it was announced that the pilot was picked up for a series with a 12-episode deal and would premiere in the fall; the premiere date was later changed to 2015.^[121][122] The show marked Duff's first starring role in a television series since her appearance on Lizzie McGuire.^[123] Younger premiered on March 31, 2015.^[123] The series has received generally positive reviews from critics and her performance as Kelsey Peters earned her acclaim, and nominations for Favorite Cable TV Actress at the 2016 and 2017 People's Choice Awards, two Teen Choice Awards nominations, and a nomination for the Gracie Allen Awards.^{[124][125][126][127][128][129]}

Duff attended the 2014 iHeartRadio Music Awards on May 1, 2014, where she confirmed that she was working with songwriter Savan Kotecha and English singer Ed Sheeran.^[130] On July 23, 2014, it was revealed that Duff had signed with RCA Records to release her upcoming fifth studio album. She released the album's lead single "Chasing the Sun" and its accompanying music video on July 29, 2014.^[131][132] The song entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 79, becoming her first song to enter the chart since "Stranger" (2007).^[133] The song's music video garnered fourteen million views in its first week of release on popular video sharing website YouTube, making it her fastest viewed music video to date.^[134] The album's second single, "All About You," was released as the album's official lead single on August 12.^[134] It failed to enter the Hot 100 chart, but became her first song to chart on the Mainstream Top 40 chart since "With Love" (2007). It became a top-twenty hit in Australia, where it later earned a Gold certification from the ARIA. This made it her second song to receive a certification in the country, following "So Yesterday" (2003) eleven years prior.^[135] In November 2014, Duff provided voice work for a Dora the Explorer special episode as Ice Witch.^[136]

Duff released the single "Sparks" from her fifth studio album titled Breathe In. Breathe Out. on April 6, 2015, which debuted and peaked at number 93 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became her fourth top ten hit on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.^[137] Breathe In. Breathe Out was released on June 12, 2015. It debuted at number 5 on the Billboard 200, becoming her fifth top-five album. Duff had planned to tour in support of the album in early 2016, but announced in February 2016 that she would not be touring.^[138][139] The album was Duff's first studio effort to not have received any certification from RIAA, and is her only release under RCA Records.^[140]

In June 2016, Duff revealed that she has been working on a new album. In contrast to Breathe In. Breathe Out, she said that the new album has a "darker and heavier tone". She teased a new song via her Snapchat post, which was then confirmed to be titled "Tied to You".^[141] Earlier that year, Duff's cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Little Lies" was released, to coincide with the second season of the series Younger which she starred in. It was Duff's final release under RCA Records.^[142]

In January 2017, Duff became one of the investors for the cosmetic line Kopari Beauty, alongside other celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis and Karlie Kloss.^[143]

2018–2020: Entrepreneurship and scrapped Lizzie McGuire revival series[]

Duff returned to her fashion designing career in January 2018, for the first time in nine years since "Femme for DKNY". She launched a collaborative eyewear line with GlassesUSA called the "Muse x Hilary Duff" collection.^[144] In the same month, she announced that she was filming an independent movie, later revealed to be titled The Haunting of Sharon Tate, relating to the Tate murders.^[145] The film was written and directed by Daniel Farrands while Duff served as an executive producer on the film. She starred alongside Lydia Hearst and former Cheaper by the Dozen 2 co-star, Jonathan Bennett.^[146] The film was released in April 2019 and at the 2019 Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival, Duff won the Best Actress award for her portrayal of the title character.^[147] While independent horror films reviews were more positive, The Haunting of Sharon Tate was panned by major mainstream film critics and Variety called Duff as being "too contemporary" to portray Sharon.^[148] Debra Tate, the sister of the late Sharon, had also expressed her disapproval of the project.^[149] The film was nominated for several categories at the 40th Golden Raspberry Awards, and Duff was awarded the Worst Actress award.^[150][151] Prior to filming the movie, Duff traveled to Dunfermline in Scotland to film her appearance on an episode in the tenth season of Who Do You Think You Are?.^[152] The episode revealed that the King of Scots Robert the Bruce is Duff's 21 times maternal great-grandfather.

In September 2018, it was confirmed that Duff will be lending her voice as the lead character in an animated film, Meet Your Tooth Fairy.^[153] The same month, due to the success of her eyewear collection, Duff launched a limited edition of her "Muse x Hilary Duff" collection, namely the "Bold Capsule". This capsule included new varieties of color blocks and asymmetrical details.^[154] In November, Duff alongside several other celebrities, including Patrick Schwarzenegger and Will Smith, were named investors in the viral 2-in-1 children's product "Cubcoat", and raised $4.85 million.^[155] She also launched a capsule collection under her sister Haylie's children clothing line "Little Moon Society", aside from a festive holiday capsule version of her eye-wear collection.^[156][157]

In January 2019, Duff invested again, this time with comedian Chelsea Handler in the cosmetics line "Nudestix".^[158] Her investment resulted in her launching her own make-up kit named "Daydreamer", in September 2019.^[159] Earlier in July, Younger was announced to be renewed for a seventh and final season. The series has since become the network's longest-running original series and one of the longest-running cable comedies in television history. For Duff, her role as Kelsey Peters is the longest television role she has played in her career after Lizzie McGuire in Lizzie McGuire.^[160]

Duff announced at the D23 Expo in August 2019 that she will reprise her role as McGuire in an upcoming revival of the series on the new streaming service Disney+. The creator Terri Minsky initially was to return as the showrunner, whereas Duff serves as the executive producer. The series' original storyline revolves around McGuire as a 30-year-old navigating life in New York City.^[161][162] However, on January 9, 2020, Minsky was revealed to have left the post after filming the first two episodes due to "creative differences" and since then the production of the series was halted.^[163] The following month, Duff eventually voiced out on the stalled production of the series via Instagram, and revealed that she and Minsky disagreed with the PG rating Disney+ has restricted them to. According to Duff, restricting it to such rating will be a "disservice" to the eager fans as McGuire has already matured. She then urged for it to be instead moved to Hulu, a suggestion Minsky also agreed to.^[164] In August 2020, Duff spoke up regarding the revival and affirmed that she was "optimistic that it will happen", and that "a lot of writing is happening".^[165] During an interview with the Australian morning talk show, The Morning Show that month, Duff said that she will be filming the revival series once she completes filming the final season of Younger.^[166] However, on December 16, 2020, she confirmed that the revival was scrapped by Disney+. She expressed gratitude towards the fans' loyalty, and said that everyone has tried their best to ensure the project goes forward.^[167] On the same day, Disney issued a statement to USA Today, which clarified why they "decided to hold off" the revival. They reasoned that fans of the show "have high expectations for any new stories", and "unless and until we are confident we can meet those expectations" they decided to hold off the show. The cast was informed of the show's cancellation via their representatives.^[168]

In November 2019, Duff was announced to be the new co-owner and chief brand officer of Naturalena Brands' line of products which are the baby products brand "Happy Little Camper" and its sister company, the feminine care products "Veeda".^[169] The following month, she launched her fourth capsule collection with GlassesUSA under her "Muse x Hilary Duff" collaboration, namely "AM/PM". Her collaboration with GlassesUSA was credited to help boost the "Muse" brand's sales, resulting in it being the best-selling brand for GlassesUSA's premium brand category.^[170]

In February 2020, music producer RAC released the single "Never Let You Go" which featured both Duff and her husband Matthew Koma on vocals. A cover of the early-2000s hit from the band Third Eye Blind, it is Duff's first musical release since her 2016 cover of "Little Lies" for Younger. The single was released under the label Counter Records.^[151] Later that month, Duff and actor Christopher Mintz-Plasse appeared as cameos in the music video for the single "CVS" by Koma's band, Winnetka Bowling League.^[171] She made another brief cameo in the music video for the band's follow up single, "Kangaroo" which was released in May that year.^[172]

2021–present: Scrapped Younger spinoff and How I Met Your Father[]

In May 2020 it was confirmed that Duff will be starring in a spinoff series of Younger. She will be reprising her role as Kelsey Peters, and the series will reportedly center on her character. Younger's creator Darren Star will be attached to the project.^[173] Star explained in April 2021 that the spinoff will be like a "female Entourage", and will focus on Kelsey Peters' adventure in Los Angeles, instead of New York.^[174] However, on June 10, 2021, following the series’ conclusion, it has been revealed that the spin-off is no longer in the works, due to Duff being cast on the How I Met Your Mother spin-off, How I Met Your Father. According to creator Darren Star, he stated that the Kelsey spin-off has been resolved after the series finale, regardless of any notion of a spin-off. Star stated that "it was always going to end with Kelsey doing her own thing, alone, heading to Los Angeles".^[175] The series' soundtrack album was released digitally in July 2021, and Duff's cover of Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" which she performed in the season six premiere together with Sutton Foster and Miriam Shor was included. Her 2016 cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Little Lies" was also featured in the soundtrack. This marks Duff's most recent appearance in an album release, the first time since her 2015 album Breathe In. Breathe Out. was released in 2015.^[176]

Duff released a children's picture book titled My Little Brave Girl in March 2021, which was published by Random House Children's while illustrated by Kelsey Garrity-Riley. Duff said that she was inspired to write this book by her daughter Banks. The book is aimed to mothers and also daughters aged 3 to 7 and it is a "beautiful and inspiring book about bravery and love". This was Duff's fourth overall book release and her first since True from 2013.^[177] The book debuted at #8 on the New York Times best-seller list, on the children's picture books category.^[178] This marks the second time Duff appears on the list, her first being her young adult novel Elixir in 2010. Furthermore, she collaborated with the romper company Smash + Tess to design a collection of rompers for mothers and their young children, which was launched on February 23, 2021 and reportedly sold out within minutes.^[179] Duff also plans to venture into the beauty industry again, making it her second time since her Nudestix cosmetics line in 2019.^[180]

Duff announced in April 2021 that she is scheduled to star in a spinoff of How I Met Your Mother titled How I Met Your Father. In addition to starring as main character Sophie, Duff is also a producer on the show. A ten episode run was ordered by Hulu, with This Is Us co-showrunners Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger named as the creators of the show.^[181] Two months later, in June 2021, Chris Lowell was announced to play the male lead named Jessie in the sitcom.^[182] Filming for the spinoff has been confirmed to begin in August 2021, in Los Angeles.^[183] But, just three days into filming the series, Duff contracted COVID-19 thus pausing the show's shoot.^[184]

In July 2021, news emerged that Duff will be suing Naturalena Brands for an alleged breach of contract and misappropriation of the right of publicity. The suit alleges, “This action is the result of [Naturalena’s] refusal to honor their contractual commitments under a celebrity endorsement agreement and associated guarantee relating to Hilary Duff's endorsement of [Naturalena's] natural baby and feminine hygiene products". The lawsuit further claims that Naturalena "concocted a bogus claim of force majeure," citing the COVID-19 pandemic, and argued that the endorsement agreement was terminated. Additionally, the lawsuit claimed that Naturalena "apparently believed that their sales would be better than they turned out to be." The lawsuit also states that despite allegedly refusing to pay Duff and claiming to have ended the endorsement deal, the company continued to use Duff's name and likeness to promote its products.^[185]

Musical style[]

With her debut, Duff's music featured prominent pop and pop rock elements.^[186] Duff cited listening to rock music as a child for the main influence behind the theme.^[186] She worked heavily with The Matrix for her second studio album, leading critics to compare the effort to releases from artists such as Avril Lavigne, Ashlee Simpson and Lindsay Lohan.^[187] These themes were featured more prominently on her third studio album, Hilary Duff. The album makes further use of strong drum and guitar beats.^[188] Duff co-wrote multiple songs for the album, with the lyrics speaking on topics such as criticism, following your dreams, and love.^[189] The new material featured on her Most Wanted (2005) compilation album began to see Duff transfer towards a more pop and dance friendly sound. This was later expanded upon for her fourth studio album, Dignity (2007). Dignity was heavily influenced by Europop, hip hop, and rock 'n roll.^[67][68] Duff described the music as "dance," "rock," and "electro."^[190] Duff co-wrote all but one of the songs on the album, which dealt with topics including her stalker, her breakup with Joel Madden, and her parents' divorce. Following its release, critics stated the album was "slightly ahead of its time."^[191]

Duff's 2014 releases, featured a more folk influenced, "earthy" indie pop sound^[192] compared to her last release.^[193][194] The album's lead single was planned to be "All About You" (2014) and, among other instruments, it featured a banjo^[195] and an acoustic sound.^[196] Instead of the original plans, Duff released a dance-pop record which balanced EDM with the folk pop sound originally planned for the record.^[197] This album consolidated Duff as a dance-pop singer.^[198]

Legacy and public image[]

Following the launch of Lizzie McGuire, Duff received a significant amount of fame and media attention. The series proved to be a major hit for the network, and led to a string of merchandising that included Lizzie McGuire dolls, video games, plush figures, and even McDonald's Happy Meal Toys.^[199] The success of The Lizzie McGuire Movie "indicated that Duff's television fanbase could be migrated to film."^[200] Following her success from her Lizzie McGuire days, Richard Huff of the New York Daily News called Duff "a 2002 version of Annette Funicello" but admitted that the character of Lizzie McGuire was both a blessing and burden for her. In 2003, Huff stated that Duff's public image is "tied" to Lizzie McGuire.^[5][201] In 2005, Katie Long from the Centre of Parent/Youth Understanding wrote an analysis of Duff and her suitability as an idol for young teens. Duff, she wrote, "is not like Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera... yet," celebrities who seem to use their sex appeal to sell albums, but remains "someone that adolescent girls can relate to."^[202]

Duff was credited with the revival of Hollywood Records following the release of Metamorphosis (2003).^[200] The San Fernando Valley Business Journal wrote that the album was "giving Hollywood Records a needed shot in the arm" after a decline in CD sales during the previous two years had forced the label to reduce costs and alter its operation. Hilliard Lyons analyst Jeffrey Thomison cited Metamorphosis as a reflection of Disney's ability to develop "great synergy between their cable, film and music segments"^[200] Duff's transition from Disney star to successful singer became a formula that Hollywood Records tried to implement with future acts such as Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and Bridgit Mendler among others.^[203] Artists such as Miley Cyrus,^[204] Selena Gomez,^[205] Demi Lovato,^[206] Ariana Grande^[207] and Keke Palmer^[208] have all cited Duff as influences on their careers.

Her song "Come Clean" (2003) was used as the theme song to the MTV reality series Laguna Beach, which is in turn credited with helping promote the song in the United States. Her song "Sweet Sixteen" (2003) was used as the theme for the MTV reality series of the same name.^[209] Multiple dates on her Most Wanted Tour to promote Hilary Duff (2004) sold out in minutes.^[210] Her success with music led to her selling over fifteen million albums by 2014.^[1]

Her transition from teenage star to adult actress has been praised by some critics,^[211] while her transition is often compared to the less successful transitions of her peers.^[212][213] In 2007, Duff's appearance on the cover of Maxim was accompanied by the declaration that she had gone "from the queen of teen to breakout sex symbol."^[214] Following this, Duff placed at #23 on the annual Hot 100 Women list compiled by Maxim. She has remained on the list ever since in addition to being regularly listed on the annual FHM list of the 100 Sexiest Women (she peaked at No. 8 in 2008). The Associated Press wrote that this sudden provocativeness was representative of "a clear move [on Duff's part] to put her Lizzie McGuire past behind her", and that more provocative imaging of her would help her singles to garner mainstream radio play: "Ultimately, nature, time and genetics may help Duff in a way Disney, despite all its might, cannot."^[214] However, despite "the fact that she is grown up," Duff "has managed to maintain her sweet persona," wrote Young Hollywood.^[215]

Following the birth of her son in 2012, Duff said that it took her a year for her to lose her baby weight and that she lost nearly 50 pounds by 2013.^[216] Duff stated that she revamped her diet and hired a personal trainer to train her in boxing, which was one of the ways she lost her weight in addition to piloxing and spin cycling.^[217] Duff's slow but healthy method in shedding off her post-pregnancy weight was praised by health experts and was looked up to by actress Tia Mowry, who cited Duff as her idol in taking up a healthy and safer way to lose the excess weight gained during pregnancy.^[218]

Social media controversies[]

Duff created media attention in Halloween of 2016 due to the costumes she and ex-boyfriend Jason Walsh wore to a party. Duff and Walsh wore a pilgrim and Native American costume respectively, drawing criticism online with some social media users accusing them of cultural appropriation. Duff's act happened around the same time the Dakota Access Pipeline issue arose. Following the backlash, both Duff and Walsh posted apology messages on their Twitter and Instagram accounts respectively.^[219]

In May 2018, Duff uploaded a series of Instagram stories to her Instagram account, publicly condemning her New York apartment neighbor named Dieter Addison. She claimed that her neighbor smoked "cigarettes and weed all night long" and that her "apartment reeks". She further added "We know your parents pay your rent. We know you've never worked a day in your life—must be nice," and warned the neighbor to "have some respect for your neighbors who work hard to live in that building. Don't be a dick dude—and put your trash down the shoot". However, the confrontation continued beyond social media, when Duff's husband then-boyfriend Matthew Koma punched him in the face due to his chain-smoking habit, and the police confirmed that an altercation occurred. Duff's rep then issued a statement saying "Hilary and her young son have been subjected to excessive secondhand smoke, late night noise, garbage in the hallways, and an overall hazardous living environment from this man for months now. She tried numerous times in polite ways to handle this situation including countless sessions with the landlords of the building. As every mother knows, protecting your kid has to come first and foremost and that is her primary goal. She reached a breaking point after a 15 hour work day and yet another sleepless night". Koma's rep then confirmed that the allegations of the altercation between him and Addison were "untrue". Duff's allegations of Addison's irresponsibility was corroborated by their neighbors, including journalist Shelley Ross who tweeted that she shares the same neighbor as Duff and that Addison smoked cigarettes and is "trying to cover his cracks". She added that Koma merely asked Addison to be a "cooperative neighbor", and that Addison called the police to harass Duff and her family.^[220] In the aftermath of the incident, Addison claimed he received threats on his social media, and eventually made his account private. He planned to take a restraining order against Duff but no development on the matter has been heard since.^[221]

Duff once again attracted media attention in May 2020 after a thread posted by a user on Twitter claimed Duff to be sex trafficking her son. The user caused Duff to be a trending topic on Twitter for the entire day. The rumor stemmed from a since-deleted Instagram story upload by Duff back in March 2020 of her celebrating her son's birthday which involved her preparing a photo collage. One of the photographs showed her son partially nude and covered in lotion. Responding to the allegations, Duff tweeted on her Twitter account saying, "Everyone bored af right now I know..but this is actually disgusting..... whoever dreamed this one up and put this garbage into the universe should take a break from their damn phone. Maybe get a hobby". Her statement has since been retweeted more than 23,000 times, and both the Twitter and Reddit threads falsely accusing her have been deleted.^[222][223]

Disapproval of paparazzi[]

Duff is very vocal about her disapproval of paparazzi photographing children.^[224] In 2014, Duff expressed her anger on Twitter regarding two paparazzi who were taking pictures of her son without her consent. She tweeted, "I chose to let them off with a stern warning, next time I will not be so nice. #NoKidsPolicy"^[225] The hashtag refers to a bill that was pushed by fellow actresses Halle Berry and Jennifer Garner, which prohibits paparazzi from taking pictures of celebrities' children.^[226]

In February 2020, Duff uploaded an Instagram video post, documenting her confrontation with a photographer who was taking photographs of her children at her son's football game. In the video she was seen telling the photographer "I’m asking you human to human, as a mother, if you don’t know anyone here, can you please stop taking pictures of our children playing football this morning".^[227] She clarified the situation in a series of Instagram stories uploads the day after, saying that it was "really highly frustrating" and that the police dismissed her by reasoning that she was at a public park when the incident happened. She voiced out her dissatisfaction and demanded for the law to be changed. The video has since been viewed for more than 2 million times as of November 2020.^[228]

A year later in February 2021, the aforementioned photographer later identified as Darryl Wilkins, filed a lawsuit against Duff and television talk show host Wendy Williams, accusing them for libel and slander. He claims that Duff allegedly accused him of "reprehensible and despicable conduct including by innuendo that he was a child predator". Regarding Williams, he accused her of allegedly repeating the defamatory statements on her TV show, when she shared Duff's clip on an episode of The Wendy Williams Show. Wilkins further elaborated in his complaint that the alleged words uttered by Duff were "false statements because Wilkins is not a pedophile or child predator and was attempting to take photographs as a photographer and not as a paparazzi or stalker or with mal intent or evil wrongdoing". He added that he has suffered general damages to reputation, business, trade, profession, and occupation from Duff and Williams alleged words about him.^[229]

Personal life[]

Relationships[]

In 2001, it was confirmed that Duff was in a relationship with fellow teen star Aaron Carter.^[230] He later guest-starred in an episode of Lizzie McGuire with Duff.^[230] The relationship garnered media attention with reports of a love triangle between Duff, Carter, and actress Lindsay Lohan.^[231] Duff and Carter continued an on-again-off-again relationship for three years, before ultimately ending their relationship.^[230]

In July 2004, 16-year-old Duff began dating Good Charlotte singer Joel Madden, who was then 25 years old.^[232] After a long period of tabloid speculation, Duff's mother Susan announced their relationship in a June 2005 interview for Seventeen magazine.^[233] Madden worked with Duff on her compilation album, Most Wanted. In November 2006, Duff and Madden broke up.^[234] Paper magazine later observed that the media chose not to call the relationship illegal even though Duff was underage.^[235]

Duff began dating Canadian National Hockey League (NHL) player Mike Comrie in 2007. Duff and Comrie announced their engagement in February 2010,^[236][237] and married on August 14, 2010, in Santa Barbara, California.^[238] Duff announced her pregnancy in 2011, and gave birth to their son on March 20, 2012.^{[239][240][241]} On January 10, 2014, Duff and Comrie announced that they had amicably separated and would continue to co-parent their son.^[242][243] In February 2015, Duff filed for divorce from Comrie, citing irreconcilable differences, and requesting primary physical and legal joint custody of their son.^[244] The divorce was finalized in February 2016.^[245]

Following her split from Comrie, Duff dated personal trainer Jason Walsh from August 2015 until November 2016.^[246][247] She also briefly dated businessman Ely Sandvik in the summer of 2017, when she and Koma took a temporary break from their relationship.^[248]

Duff began dating singer-songwriter Matthew Koma in January 2017. They worked together extensively for her 2015 album Breathe In. Breathe Out.; the title track is a track he co-wrote and produced.^[249] They announced she was pregnant with their first child together, a girl on June 8, 2018.^[250] On October 25, 2018, Duff gave birth to their first daughter.^[251][252] Duff and Koma then became engaged in May 2019, and were then married on December 21, 2019.^[253][254] On October 24, 2020, Duff announced her third pregnancy via Instagram.^[255] On March 24, 2021, the couple's second child together, also a daughter, was born.^[256]

Education[]

On January 31, 2005, Duff began taking classes at Harvard University as part of the Harvard Extension School. February 4, she wrote on her website, “I’m taking on-line classes for Harvard University. Really cool! I am really excited about going back to school and the on-line classes are really cool!” Her statement went on to upset some students at Harvard, who felt she gave the extension school a bad name, and that she didn't have the right to claim she was attending Harvard University, when she was attending their Extension School. The Harvard Crimson published a scathing opinion piece that went on to say, "you told people you were going to Harvard (ambiguous). It’s Harvard (extension), which (disclaimer) by the way is a perfectly great option for education."^[257] The editorial was later heavily criticized by The Harvard Crimson itself.^{[258][259][260]}

Philanthropy[]

Duff at the launch of National Military Families Week (2005)

Duff has involved herself with various philanthropic activities.^[261] For natural disasters, she donated $250,000 to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina in addition to donating over 2.5 million meals to Hurricane Katrina victims in the southern US in 2005. In August 2006, Duff traveled to a New Orleans elementary school and worked with USA Harvest to distribute meals.^[262][263]

She has helped various youth charities and is a member of Kids with a Cause. Duff has also served on the Advisory Board of the Audrey Hepburn Child Benefit Fund and the Celebrity Council of Kids with a Cause.^[264] In October 2008, Duff starred in a public service announcement for The Think Before You Speak Campaign by Ad Council and GLSEN to prevent youth from using anti-LGBT vocabulary, such as the phrase "That's So Gay."^[265] In July 2009, Duff was named as a youth ambassador to the children of the Colombian capital, Bogotá. As a Youth Ambassador, she spent five days in the country, distributing backpacks filled with food to needy children.^[266]

Duff is a strong animal rights supporter and commented when asked what she would do if she was not a celebrity, "I always wanted to be a veterinarian when I was younger, but then I figured out that animals actually die there, so that was not the job for me. Definitely something with kids or animals or something like that."^[267]

In 2012, a few months after giving birth to her son, Duff was actively involved in the Johnson's Baby Cares campaign. The campaign included activities such as sending care kits and care cards to new mothers across the U.S. as a motivation. It also raises funds for children and poor families together with Save The Children.^[268]

Towards the start of the Christmas shopping season in November 2013, Duff teamed up with Duracell in Canada for a campaign especially for kids in hospitals.^[269] The campaign called Powering Holiday Smiles donated 20,000 batteries to hospitals across Canada in order to power lifesaving medical devices and the thousands of playroom toys and games that children and their families would be using during the holiday season of 2013 and beyond. The campaign encourages Canadians to buy Duracell Quantum AA-16 batteries, in which for every packet sold, one dollar will be donated to the Children's Miracle Network. The campaign began on November 22 and ended on December 27, 2013. In order to promote the campaign, Duff paid a visit to The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario, to hand out brand new toys supplied by Hasbro. She has discussed the campaign on Breakfast Television Toronto, a radio show, and in numerous magazine interviews.^[270]

She has also participated in various online charity campaigns, including a partnership with Claritin,^[271] and raising relief efforts for the 2018 Hanalei floods via sales of her "Muse x Hilary Duff Collection".^[272] She was also one of the celebrities who participated in the 2017 telethon for the Houston floods^[273] and contributed an essay about the devastating effect the hurricane left on her hometown, on Marie Claire's official website.^[274]

In 2020, aside from sharing a donation of a sum of money with her husband Matthew Koma for the Australian bushfires relief efforts, Duff also donated baby products to parents in need during the COVID-19 pandemic via her "Happy Little Camper" brand.^[275][276] In October that year, she launched the "Veeda in Action" donation campaign, via her feminine care line "Veeda". Partnering up with PERIOD, "a global, youth-powered non-profit that is fighting to end period poverty and period stigma through service, education, and advocacy", the donation campaign ran through the month of October to donate period products to those in need.^[277]

Filmography[]

Film[]

Television[]

Web series[]

Discography[]

• Santa Claus Lane (2002)
• Metamorphosis (2003)
• Hilary Duff (2004)
• Dignity (2007)
• Breathe In. Breathe Out. (2015)

Tours[]

• Metamorphosis Tour (2003–2004)
• Most Wanted Tour (2004–2005)
• Still Most Wanted Tour (2005–2006)
• Dignity Tour (2007–2008)

Published works[]

• Elixir Trilogy
  • Elixir (2010) (book 1)
  • Devoted (2011) (book 2)
  • True (2013) (book 3)

Other published works

• • My Little Brave Girl (2021)^[283]

Awards and nominations[]

References[]

Further reading[]

• Dougherty, Terri (2007). Hillary Duff. People in the News. Farmington Hills, Michigan: Lucent Books. ISBN 978-1-4205-0012-7. OCLC 162126826.

External links[]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hilary Duff.

Wikiquote has quotations related to: Hilary Duff

• Official website
• Hilary Duff at IMDb