In addition to music and acting, she has also co-authored a trilogy of novels, beginning withElixir (2010), which toppedThe New York Times Best Seller list, and followed by the sequelsDevoted (2011) andTrue (2013). Duff's success in the entertainment industry led her to venture into business with fashion lines of her own such asStuff by Hilary Duff,Femme for DKNY, and the "Muse x Hilary Duff" collection, a collaborative effort withGlassesUSA 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.
Hilary Erhard Duff was born on September 28, 1987, inHouston, Texas.[3][4][5] Her parents are Robert Erhard Duff, a partner in a chain ofconvenience stores, and Susan Colleen Duff (née Cobb), ahomemaker turned film and music producer. Duff has one older sister namedHaylie.[5] She was raised between Houston andSan 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.[6] The siblings earned roles in local theater productions, and later participated in a touringBalletMet production ofThe Nutcracker in San Antonio.[5] 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.[6] The sisters auditioned for several years and were cast in manytelevision commercials.[6] Due to her acting career, Duff was home-schooled from the age of eight.[7] The pair also modeled for various clothing brands.[8] 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."[9]
During her initial acting years, Duff primarily played minor roles, such as her uncredited part in theHallmark Entertainment western miniseriesTrue Women (1997)[10] and as an uncreditedextra in the ensemble comedy-dramaPlaying by Heart (1998). The same year, Duff landed her first major role asWendy inCasper Meets Wendy, based on theHarvey Comics characters.[11][12] After appearing in the supporting role of Ellie in the television filmThe Soul Collector (1999), Duff received aYoung Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Movie or Pilot (Supporting Young Actress).[13] In March 2000, Duff appeared as a sick child in theCBS medical drama seriesChicago Hope. She was next cast as one of the children in the pilot episode of theNBC comedy seriesDaddio.[6] HerDaddio co-starMichael 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."[6] However, producers dropped Duff from the cast prior to the airing of the show.[6]
A week after being dropped fromDaddio, Duff landed the title role of a newly developedDisney Channel series,Lizzie McGuire.[6]Lizzie McGuire premiered on January 12, 2001, and became a ratings hit, with an estimated 2.3 million viewers per episode.[6] Duff quickly became labeled as ateen idol and household name, particularly within the show's pre-teen adolescent target demographic.[14] 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.[15] The actress was featured in theGame Boy Advance video games that were created for her Lizzie McGuire character. Duff made her feature film debut inHuman Nature (2001), in which she portrayed the younger version ofPatricia Arquette's character.[citation needed] Duff also starred in the 2002 Disney Channel television filmCadet Kelly, for which she took a month of military training.[16] The film became the network's most watched program in its then 19-year history.[6]
Duff began making appearances on various soundtracks for the Disney channel, recording a cover of theBrooke McClymont song "I Can't Wait" for thesoundtrack toLizzie McGuire.[17] She later recorded a cover of "The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room" forDisneyMania.[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, peaking in the lower portion of theBillboard 200 chart in the United States.[18] The album was initially distributed throughWalt Disney Records, withBuena Vista Records later re-releasing the project. It went on to receive a Gold certification from theRecording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments exceeding 500,000 copies.[19] The album was initially only released in North America, and received numerous re-releases in the following years. Duff later signed a recording contract with Andre Recke ofHollywood Records to release future recordings.[17][20] Though her early music recordings garnered much airplay onRadio Disney, Recke and Buena Vista Records envisioned Duff appealing to a more mature audience.[17]
In March 2003, Duff featured in the children's action comedy filmAgent Cody Banks withFrankie Muniz. Scott Foundas ofVariety called Duff's performance "charming", but thought she was "sidelined with little to do much of the time".[21] The same year, Duff reprised her role as Lizzie McGuire forThe Lizzie McGuire Movie.[22][23][24] 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 single "Why Not", which charted within the top 20 in Australia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.[26][27] The soundtrack toThe Lizzie McGuire Movie went on to be certified Platinum in Canada and 2× 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 but went on to reach the top of theBillboard 200 chart in the United States.[30] The album became a major success for Duff, selling over five million copies within its first two years of release.[5][31]Metamorphosis sold over three million copies in the United States, becoming her highest selling album to date and earning a 3× Platinum certification from the RIAA.[32] The album spawned the successful singles "So Yesterday" and "Come Clean". "So Yesterday" achieved Platinum status in Australia and "Come Clean" received a Gold certification from the RIAA in the United States.[33][34][35] "Come Clean" was used as the theme song to theMTV seriesLaguna Beach: The Real Orange County.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 ofSteve Martin andBonnie Hunt in the family comedyCheaper 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]
2004–2006:Hilary Duff,Most Wanted, and film projects
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]
In 2004, Duff starred oppositeChad Michael Murray in the romantic comedyA Cinderella Story. The film went on to become a moderate box office hit despite negative reviews.[38][41][42] At the2004 World Music Awards, Duff won the Best New Female Artist award. Duff'sself-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 her previous record.[43] The album, featuring prominent rock elements and drawing comparison to works fromAvril Lavigne andAshlee Simpson, debuted at number two on theBillboard 200 and went on to sell over 1.8 million copies in the United States.[44] The album contained the single "Fly" which failed to chart on theBillboard Hot 100 but performed moderately worldwide. Later in the year, Duff starred in the musical dramaRaise Your Voice, which was panned and unsuccessful at the box office.[45] Several reviews were critical of her vocals, a number finding fault with what appeared to be her digitally enhanced voice.[46][47][48] Her performances inA Cinderella Story andRaise Your Voice earned Duff her firstRazzie nomination forWorst Actress in 2004.[49] Duff launched her first clothing line, "Stuff by Hilary Duff", in 2004. The line was distributed byTarget in the U.S.,Kmart in Australia,Zellers in Canada, andEdgars Stores in South Africa from March 2004 until 2007.[50]
Duff in 2006
In 2005, Duff had a starring role, alongsideHeather Locklear, in the filmThe Perfect Man, which went on to become a box office success. TheVillage 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 firstcompilation album,Most Wanted.[52] The album featured songs from Duff's previous albums, as well as remixes and new material. It included the hit single "Wake Up", which became her second single to be certified Gold by the RIAA.[33] The compilation debuted at number one on theBillboard 200,[53] and sold over one million copies a month after its release.[54][55] Duff later appeared inCheaper by the Dozen 2, which resulted in her second Razzie nomination for Worst Actress in 2005.[56] Mike Clarke ofUSA Today said, "Duff just looks like she'd rather be in a different movie."[57][58]
Duff co-starred with her sister Haylie in the satirical comedyMaterial 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 forWorst Screen Couple.[60] Hilary and Haylie collaborated on a cover ofMadonna'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 theElizabeth Arden company. Initially only sold inMacy'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 then-boyfriend Joel Madden. Max, later identified as Maksim Myaskovskiy, was sentenced to 117 days in prison.[64]
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 asKara DioGuardi.[65] The finished product,Dignity (2007), featured production fromRhett Lawrence,Tim & Bob, andRichard Vission, resulting in adance andelectropop 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. The television specialHilary 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.[70][71] Despite positive critical reception,Dignity failed to match the commercial success of her previous releases. Debuting at number three on theBillboard 200, the album received a Gold certification from the RIAA.[33] 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 theBillboardHot Dance Club Play chart in the United States.[72][73]
Alongside the release ofDignity 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".[74] This image was reinforced by her appearance in the political satire filmWar, 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.[75] Duff recorded the songs "Boom Boom Bang Bang" and "I Want to Blow You Up" for the film.[75] A re-release ofDignity was initially announced for a 2008 release, but Hollywood Records instead released agreatest hits album.[76][77]Best of Hilary Duff (2008) received little promotion prior to its release, entering theBillboard 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 samples theDepeche Mode song "Personal Jesus".[79] The song featured provocative lyrics referencing sex, while its music video similarly saw Duff in a more risqué light.[80][81] The song became her third consecutive single to top the Hot Dance Club Play chart in the United States. She announced toMTV 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 overStuff by Hilary Duff, thus the line was discontinued.[84][85]
Duff had a leading role as the title character of the filmAccording to Greta (2009), which chronicled the life of a suicidal and rebellious teen. Her performance received mixed reviews. Andrew Barker ofVariety 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" inGreta "is a valiant one."[87] Later that year, she co-starred as a narcissistic seductress inWhat Goes Up. Brian Lowry ofVariety magazine stated that Duff's performance "amounts to a near-adult role," yet labeled her role and the film "confused".[88] For the film's soundtrack, Duff recorded the song "Any Other Day".[89] Despite having previously turned down a role inThe CW drama90210 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 seriesGossip Girl.[90][91] Duff portrayed famous actressOlivia Burke, who enrolled atNew 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.[92] The following year, she won a Teen Choice Award for Best Television Female Scene Stealer for her appearance onGossip Girl.[93] In 2009, Duff collaborated withDKNY Jeans and co-designed an apparel line titledFemme for DKNY Jeans. With the objective of designing a clothing line for women her own age, the line debuted in the United States in August 2009 and was available for a limited time.[94][95][96]
Duff continued to appear in film roles, starring in theABC Family television filmBeauty & 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.[97] Following this appearance, she made another in an episode of theNBC sitcomCommunity.[98][99] She then co-starred as Raven Halfacre, the teenage daughter of apromiscuous alcoholic, in the dramaBloodworth. Her performance was generally praised, withThe Examiner writing that the "biggest surprise performance [in the film] probably belongs to Hilary Duff."[100] In 2010, Duff set up a book-writing deal withSimon & Schuster.[101] She collaborated withElise Allen on a young adult novel titledElixir which was published in October 2010 and became aNew York Times best-seller.[102]
The following year, Duff co-starred in the independent comedyStay Cool (2011) which was critically panned.[103][104] The film saw Duff in a major role alongsideWinona Ryder.Devoted, the sequel to Duff's authorial debut, was released in October 2011.[105] In January 2012, Duff confirmed that she had again begun working on music.[106][107] Throughout 2012, Duff primarily worked with Ali Tamposi,Matt Squire, and Jason Evigan, but these works were not released.[108] The same year, she co-starred inRob Margolies' comedyShe Wants Me, as a well-known starlet who enters a love triangle.[109] In August 2012, Duff signed a deal with20th Century Fox to develop and produce a sitcom in which she would star, but this plan failed to develop.[110][111][112] She appeared as a guest judge inProject Runway that September.[113]
In early 2013, Duff guest starred in theFox sitcomRaising Hope.[114] She later guest starred in thetenth season finale of the CBS sitcomTwo and a Half Men.[115] Duff provided voice work for the animated filmWings, alongsideJesse McCartney andJosh Duhamel; she later appeared in its sequel the following year. By July 2013, Duff had finished filming the independent filmFlock of Dudes, which was released in September 2016.[116] That same year, Duff released the third and final novel in herElixir trilogy, titledTrue (2013).[117]
2014–2017:Breathe In. Breathe Out. and television success withYounger
On January 15, 2014, Duff signed on to co-star oppositeSutton Foster in the comedy-drama pilotYounger. The series is based on a Pamela Redmond Satran novel, and created and executive-produced byDarren Star forTV Land. Duff was cast as Kelsey Peters, an "ambitious 20-something" who persuades Foster's character to work in a publishing firm.[118] In April 2014, it was announced that the pilot was picked up for a series with a 12-episode deal.[119][120] The show marked Duff's first starring role in a television series since her appearance onLizzie McGuire.[121]Younger premiered on March 31, 2015.[121] The series received generally positive reviews from critics and her performance as Kelsey Peters earned her acclaim. It earned her nominations for Favorite Cable TV Actress at the 2016 and 2017People's Choice Awards, twoTeen Choice Awards nominations, and a nomination for the Gracie Allen Awards.[122][123][124][125][126][127]
Duff attended the 2014iHeartRadio Music Awards on May 1, 2014, where she confirmed that she was working with songwriterSavan Kotecha and English singerEd Sheeran.[128] On July 23, 2014, it was revealed that Duff had signed withRCA Records. She released the single "Chasing the Sun" and its accompanying music video on July 29, 2014.[129][130] The song entered theBillboard Hot 100 at number 79, becoming her first song to enter the chart since "Stranger" (2007).[131] The song's music video garnered fourteen million views in its first week of release on the video sharing websiteYouTube.[132] "All About You" was released as a single on August 12.[132] It failed to enter the Hot 100 chart, but charted on theMainstream Top 40 chart. It became a top-twenty hit in Australia, where it later earned a Gold certification from the ARIA.[133] In November 2014, Duff provided voice work for a specialDora the Explorer episode as Jessica the Ice Witch.[134]
On April 6, 2015, Duff released the single "Sparks" from her fifth studio albumBreathe In. Breathe Out. which debuted and peaked at number 93 on theBillboard Hot 100 and became her fourth top ten hit on theBillboard Dance Club Songs chart.[135]Breathe In. Breathe Out was released on June 12, 2015. It debuted at number 5 on theBillboard 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.[136][137] The album was Duff's first studio effort to not have received any certification from RIAA, and is her only album release under RCA Records.[138]
In January 2016, Duff's cover ofFleetwood Mac's "Little Lies" was released, to coincide with the second season of the seriesYounger which she starred in. It was Duff's final release under RCA Records.[139] In June 2016, Duff revealed that she was working on a new album. In contrast toBreathe In. Breathe Out, she said that the new album would have a "darker and heavier tone". She teased a new song titled "Tied to You" via aSnapchat post.[140] The following January, Duff became one of the investors for the cosmetic line Kopari Beauty.[141]
2018–2020: Entrepreneurship and scrappedLizzie McGuire revival
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 withGlassesUSA called the "Muse x Hilary Duff" collection.[142] Further collaborations with the brand resulted in the "Muse" collection being the best-selling brand for GlassesUSA's premium brand category.[143] Later in January 2018, she announced that she was filming an independent movie,The Haunting of Sharon Tate, relating to theTate murders.[144] The film was written and directed by Daniel Farrands while Duff served as an executive producer on the film. She starred alongsideLydia Hearst and formerCheaper by the Dozen 2 co-star,Jonathan Bennett.[145] The film was released in April 2019; at the 2019 Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival, Duff won the Best Actress award for her portrayal of the title character.[146]The Haunting of Sharon Tate was panned by major mainstream film critics andVariety called Duff as being "too contemporary" to portray Sharon.[147] Debra Tate, the sister of the late Sharon, expressed her disapproval of the project.[148] The film was nominated for several categories at the40th Golden Raspberry Awards, and Duff was awarded theWorst Actress award.[149][150] Later that year, Duff appeared in an episode in the tenth season ofWho Do You Think You Are? which revealed that the King of ScotsRobert the Bruce is Duff's 21 times maternal great-grandfather.[151]
In September 2018, it was confirmed that Duff would be lending her voice as the lead character in the animated filmMeet Your Tooth Fairy.[152] In November, Duff alongside several other celebrities were named investors in the viral 2-in-1 children's product "Cubcoat", and raised $4.85 million.[153] She also launched a capsule collection under her sister Haylie's children clothing line "Little Moon Society".[154]
In January 2019, Duff and comedianChelsea Handler invested in the cosmetics line "Nudestix".[155] Her investment resulted in her launching her own make-up kit named "Daydreamer", in September 2019.[156] Earlier in July,Younger was announced to be renewed for a seventh and final season, becoming the network's longest-running original series.[157]
Duff announced at theD23 Expo in August 2019 that she would reprise her role as the titular character in a revival of theLizzie McGuire series on the streaming serviceDisney+. The creatorTerri Minsky initially was to return as the showrunner, with Duff serving as an executive producer. The series' storyline was to revolve around McGuire as a 30-year-old navigating life inNew York City.[158][159] However, on January 9, 2020, following the filming of two episodes, it was reported that Minsky departed as showrunner due to "creative differences", and the production of the series was halted.[160] The following month, Duff revealed that Disney+ had restricted the project to aPG rating. She claimed that restricting it to such rating would be a "disservice" to fans and urged for it to be instead moved toHulu.[161] In August 2020, Duff affirmed that she was "optimistic that [the revival] will happen" and that she would continue filming the revival series following the completion of filmingYounger's final season.[162][163] However, on December 16, 2020, she confirmed that the revival was scrapped byDisney+.[164] On the same day, Disney issued a statement toUSA Today, reasoning that fans of the show "have high expectations for any new stories", and that they would hold off the show "until we are confident we can meet those expectations".[165]
In November 2019, Duff was announced to be the new co-owner andchief brand officer of Naturalena Brands' line of products: the baby products brand "Happy Little Camper" and its sister company, the feminine care products brand "Veeda".[166] The collaboration led to a lawsuit, in which Duff alleged that Naturalena Brands used the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason to end their agreement with Duff. Duff and Naturalena Brands reached a settlement in April 2022.[167]
In February 2020, music producerRAC released the single "Never Let You Go" a cover of the hit from the bandThird Eye Blind, which featured both Duff and her husbandMatthew Koma on vocals. The single was released under the label Counter Records.[150] Later that month, Duff made a cameo in the music video for the single "CVS" by Koma's band, Winnetka Bowling League.[168] She made another brief cameo in the music video for the band's follow up single, "Kangaroo" which was released in May that year.[169]
2021–present:How I Met Your Father and continued entrepreneurship
In May 2020, it was reported that Duff would be starring in a spinoff series ofYounger, reprising her role as Kelsey Peters.Younger's creator Darren Star was attached to the project.[170] In April 2021, Star described the spinoff as a "femaleEntourage", and said that it would focus on Kelsey Peters in Los Angeles.[171] However, on June 10, 2021, it was announced that the spin-off was no longer in the works.[172] TheYounger soundtrack album was released digitally in July 2021, and Duff's cover ofDolly Parton's "9 to 5" which she performed in the season six premiere together withSutton Foster andMiriam Shor was included. Her 2016 cover ofFleetwood Mac's "Little Lies" was also featured.[173]
Duff released a children's picture book titledMy Little Brave Girl in March 2021, which was published byRandom House Children's and 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 sinceTrue from 2013.[174] The book debuted at #8 onThe New York Times best-seller list on the children's picture books category.[175] Its sequel, and her second children’s picture book, was released in November 2023 titledMy Little Sweet Boy.[176]
Duff announced in April 2021 that she would star in a spinoff ofHow I Met Your Mother titledHow 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 byHulu, withThis Is Us co-showrunners Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger named as the creators of the show.[177] Filming for the spinoff began in August 2021 inLos Angeles. Just three days into filming the series, Duff contractedCOVID-19, pausing the show's shoot.[178][179][180] The series premiered on January 18, 2022.[181] The first season was met with mixed reception.[182][183] On February 15, 2022, Hulu renewed the series for a 20-episode second season.[184] In September 2023, Hulu cancelled the series after two seasons.[185]
Additionally, Duff has made a number of business ventures beginning 2021 onwards. She collaborated with theromper 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.[186] Next, on May 18, 2022, Duff became the first-everChief Mom Officer of the children's apparel company Carter's; via the collaboration, she designed a clothing capsule collection for children.[187] In November 2023, she unveiled a new business venture asChief Brand Director of Below 60°, a line of home fragrance products launched that same month.[188]
With her second albumMetamorphosis, Duff's music featured prominentpop andpop rock elements. Listening to rock music as a child was her main influence behind its theme.[189] She worked heavily withThe Matrix for the album, leading critics to compare the effort to releases from artists such asAvril Lavigne,Ashlee Simpson, andLindsay Lohan.[190] These themes were featured more prominently on her third studio album,Hilary Duff. The album makes further use of strong drum and guitar beats.[191] Duff co-wrote multiple songs for the album, with the lyrics speaking on topics such as criticism, following your dreams, and love.[192] The new material featured on herMost Wanted (2005) compilation album began to see Duff transfer towards a more pop anddance friendly sound. This was later expanded upon for her fourth studio album,Dignity (2007).Dignity was heavily influenced byEuropop,hip hop, androck 'n roll.[67][68] Duff described the music as "dance", "rock", and "electro".[193] 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."[194]
Duff's 2014 releases featured a morefolk influenced, "earthy"indie pop sound,[195] compared to her previous releases.[196][197] The album's lead single was planned to be "All About You" (2014) and, among other instruments, it featured a banjo[198] and anacoustic sound.[199] Instead of the original plans, Duff released adance-pop record which balancedEDM with thefolk pop sound originally planned for the record.[200] This album consolidated Duff as a dance-pop singer.[201]
Following the launch ofLizzie 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, andMcDonald's Happy Meal Toys.[202] The success ofThe Lizzie McGuire Movie "indicated that Duff's television fanbase could be migrated to film."[203] Following her success fromLizzie McGuire, Richard Huff of theNew York Daily News called Duff "a 2002 version ofAnnette 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" toLizzie McGuire.[6][204]
Duff was credited with the revival of Hollywood Records following the release ofMetamorphosis (2003).[203] TheSan 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 citedMetamorphosis as a reflection of Disney's ability to develop "greatsynergy between their cable, film and music segments"[203] Duff's transition from Disney star to successful singer became a formula that Hollywood Records tried to implement with future acts such asMiley Cyrus,Selena Gomez,Demi Lovato, andBridgit Mendler among others.[205] Artists such as Cyrus,[206][207] Gomez,[208] Lovato,[209] andKeke Palmer[210] have all cited Duff as influences on their careers.
Her song "Come Clean" (2003) was used as the theme song to theMTV reality seriesLaguna 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 seriesof the same name.[211] Multiple dates on her Most Wanted Tour to promoteHilary Duff (2004) sold out in minutes.[212] She had sold over fifteen million albums by 2014.[1]
Her transition from teenage star into adulthood was praised by some critics,[213] while her transition is often compared to the less successful transitions of her peers.[214][215] 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 likeBritney Spears orChristina Aguilera... yet" but remains "someone that adolescent girls can relate to."[216] In 2007, Duff's appearance on the cover ofMaxim was accompanied by the declaration that she had gone "from the queen of teen to breakoutsex symbol."[74] Following this, Duff placed at #23 on the annual Hot 100 Women list compiled byMaxim and peaked at No. 8 on the annualFHM list of the100 Sexiest Women in 2008. TheAssociated 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."[74] However, despite "the fact that she is grown up," Duff "has managed to maintain her sweet persona," wroteYoung Hollywood.[217]
Duff garnered media attention inHalloween of 2016 due to the costumes she and then boyfriend Jason Walsh wore to a party. Duff and Walsh wore aPilgrim andNative American costume respectively, drawing criticism online with some social media users accusing them ofcultural appropriation. Following the backlash, both Duff and Walsh posted apology messages on their respective social media accounts.[218]
In May 2018, Duff uploaded a series of Instagram stories to her account, publicly condemning her New York apartment neighbor. She claimed he smoked "cigarettes and weed all night long" and that her "apartment reeks". Police later confirmed that an altercation had occurred between the neighbor and Duff's then-boyfriendMatthew Koma. Duff's representative issued a statement saying "Hilary and her young son have been subjected to excessivesecondhand smoke, late night noise, garbage in the hallways, and an overall hazardous living environment for months now." Duff's allegations of her neighbor's behavior were corroborated by other neighbors, including journalist Shelley Ross.[219]
Duff is very vocal about her disapproval of paparazzi photographing children.[220] 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".[221] Thehashtag refers to a bill that was pushed by fellow actressesHalle Berry andJennifer Garner, which prohibits paparazzi from taking pictures of celebrities' children.[222]
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".[223] 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 complaint because she was at a public park when the incident happened. She voiced 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.[224]
In 2001, it was confirmed that Duff was in a relationship with fellow teen starAaron Carter.[225] He later guest starred in an episode ofLizzie McGuire with Duff.[225] The relationship garnered media attention with reports of a love triangle between Duff, Carter, and actressLindsay Lohan.[226][227] Duff and Carter continued an on-again-off-again relationship for three years, before ultimately ending their relationship.[225]
In July 2004, 16-year-old Duff began datingGood Charlotte singerJoel Madden, who was then 25 years old.[228] After a long period of tabloid speculation, Duff's mother Susan announced their relationship in a June 2005 interview forSeventeen magazine.[229] Madden worked with Duff on her compilation album,Most Wanted. In November 2006, Duff and Madden broke up.[230] In 2015,Paper magazine observed that the media chose not to call the relationship illegal even though Duff was underage at the time.[231]
Duff began dating CanadianNational Hockey League (NHL) playerMike Comrie in 2007. Duff and Comrie announced their engagement in February 2010,[232][233] and married on August 14, 2010, inSanta Barbara, California.[234] Duff announced her pregnancy in 2011, and gave birth to their son on March 20, 2012.[235][236][237] On January 10, 2014, Duff and Comrie announced that they had amicably separated and would continue to co-parent their son.[238][239] In February 2015, Duff filed for divorce from Comrie, citing irreconcilable differences, and requesting primary physical and legaljoint child custody of their son.[240] The divorce was finalized in February 2016.[241]
Following her split from Comrie, Duff dated personal sports trainer Jason Walsh from August 2015 until November 2016.[242][243]
She and singer-songwriterMatthew Koma went public with their relationship in January 2017.[244] During a break from their relationship, Duff briefly dated businessman Ely Sandvik in the summer of 2017.[245] By October 2017, her relationship with Koma had been rekindled.[246]
Duff and Koma became engaged in May 2019 and were married on December 21, 2019.[247][248] They have three daughters: born October 2018,[249][250][251] March 2021,[252][253] and May 2024.[254][255]
Duff at the launch of the annual National Military Families Week (2005)
Duff has been involved with various philanthropic activities.[261] She donated $250,000 to help the victims ofHurricane Katrina and donated over 2.5 million meals to Hurricane Katrina victims in the southern US in 2005. In August 2006, Duff traveled to aNew Orleans elementary school and worked with USA Harvest to distribute meals.[262][263]
She has helped various youth charities and is a member ofKids 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 TheThink Before You Speak Campaign byAd Council andGLSEN to prevent youth from using anti-LGBT vocabulary, such as the phrase "That's So Gay."[265][266] In July 2009, Duff was named as ayouth ambassador to the children of theColombian capital,Bogotá. As a youth ambassador, she spent five days in the country, distributing backpacks filled with food to children in need.[267]
In 2012, Duff was involved in theJohnson's Baby Cares campaign, which included activities such as sending care kits and care cards to new mothers across the U.S. as a motivation. It also raised funds for children and low-income families in partnership withSave the Children.[268]
In November 2013, Duff teamed up withDuracell in Canada for a campaign for kids in hospitals.[269] The campaign donated 20,000 batteries to hospitals across Canada. To promote the campaign, Duff visitedThe Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario. She also discussed the campaign on the radio showBreakfast Television Toronto and in numerous magazine interviews.[270]
She has participated in various online charity campaigns, including a partnership with Claritin.[271] Duff raised relief efforts for the 2018Hanalei floods via sales of her "Muse x Hilary Duff Collection".[272] She also published a 2017 essay throughMarie Claire about the damages thatHurricane Harvey left on her hometown.[273]
In 2020, Duff and her husband Matthew Koma donated to theAustralian bushfires relief efforts. Also that year, she donated baby products to parents in need during theCOVID-19 pandemic via her "Happy Little Camper" brand.[274][275] In October 2020, she launched the "Veeda in Action" donation campaign, via her feminine care line "Veeda". Partnering with PERIOD, "a global, youth-powered non-profit that is fighting to endperiod 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.[276]
^Kennedy, Liz (December 18, 2003)."2003 Ends With a Bang!". Recording Industry Association of America. Archived fromthe original on February 12, 2008. RetrievedJanuary 31, 2008.
^DeRogatis, Jim (October 15, 2007)."Is She For Real?".Chicago Sun-Times. Archived fromthe original on October 15, 2007. RetrievedAugust 5, 2011 – via findarticles.com.
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