Early Life & Background
Hilary Erhard Duff was born on September 28, 1987, in Houston, Texas, USA. She was raised alongside her older sister, Haylie Duff, who also became an actress and singer. Encouraged by their mother, Hilary and Haylie pursued acting, singing, and ballet from a young age.
At six years old, Hilary began appearing in local theater productions and commercials. The family later moved to Los Angeles to support her acting career.
Rise to Fame: Lizzie McGuire
Hilary’s breakthrough came when she landed the lead role in Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire (2001–2004). The show was a huge success, making her a teen idol. It led to:
- The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003) – a box office hit
- A successful merchandise line, including dolls, clothing, and books
Music Career
Hilary transitioned into music while acting, releasing several successful albums:
- 2003: Metamorphosis – included hits like “So Yesterday” and “Come Clean”, going triple platinum
- 2004: Hilary Duff – featured “Fly”
- 2005: Most Wanted – compilation album with new songs like “Wake Up”
- 2007: Dignity – a more mature sound with singles like “With Love”
- 2015: Breathe In. Breathe Out. – her comeback album featuring “Sparks”
Her music solidified her as a pop star, and she went on multiple world tours.
Acting Career Beyond Disney
After Lizzie McGuire, Hilary starred in several movies:
- A Cinderella Story (2004) with Chad Michael Murray
- Raise Your Voice (2004)
- The Perfect Man (2005)
- Material Girls (2006) with her sister Haylie
She also took on more mature TV roles, including a recurring role in Gossip Girl (2009) and later starring in:
- Younger (2015–2021) – a critically acclaimed comedy-drama
- How I Met Your Father (2022–2023) – the spinoff of How I Met Your Mother
Personal Life & Family
Hilary has had high-profile relationships, including with Aaron Carter and Joel Madden. She later married:
- Mike Comrie (2010–2016) – former NHL player; they share a son, Luca (born in 2012)
- Matthew Koma (2019–present) – musician and songwriter; they have two daughters, Banks (2018) and Mae (2021)
Entrepreneurship & Influence
Beyond entertainment, Hilary is an entrepreneur:
- Launched Stuff by Hilary Duff, a fashion brand (2004–2008)
- Authored Elixir, a New York Times bestselling book series (2010–2013)
- Partnered with several lifestyle and wellness brands
- Became an advocate for mental health, motherhood, and body positivity
Legacy & Impact
Hilary Duff remains a multi-talented actress, singer, and businesswoman who successfully transitioned from child star to a respected Hollywood figure. She continues to inspire fans with her authenticity, resilience, and success across multiple industries.
