They say a talented person is talented in everything. A person with curiosity embraces learning new things and finds satisfaction in the knowledge gained. When things go well, it fuels further growth and inspiration. Read on at houstonka.
Hilary Duff exemplifies how one can be successful in multiple areas and enjoy all aspects of life. She’s not only a well-known actress and singer but also a writer, model, producer, designer — and that’s just part of her story.
How did this Houston-born girl achieve success in showbiz? What was her childhood like? When did she become a worldwide famous actress? And what is she doing now?
Following in Her Sister’s Footsteps
Hilary Erhard Duff was born on September 28, 1987, in Houston, Texas. Her mother, Susan Colleen, was a homemaker before moving into music and producing, while her father, Robert Erhard Duff, owned a chain of convenience stores.
Hilary was close to her older sister, Haylie, from a young age. She often followed in her sister’s footsteps: if Haylie learned to ride a bike, Hilary would join her. When Haylie started ballet lessons, Hilary was right there with her. The same happened with singing, although no one expected that both sisters would later become successful singers and prominent figures.
Their parents supported their daughters’ desire to develop in various fields from childhood. Both girls were enrolled in the Houston Theater, where they attended rehearsals together. In 1993, they both performed in the ballet The Nutcracker.
That same year, their mother moved with the girls to California, while their father stayed behind in Houston to manage the family’s successful business.
After the move, Hilary and Haylie set their sights on entering showbiz and becoming actresses. They attended numerous auditions, participated in advertising projects, and worked with small brands. Their mother was surprised by her daughters’ dedication but supported them fully, understanding that it could impact their futures.
Almost a Disney Princess
Hilary’s first roles were small but provided great experience. In 1998, she landed her first lead role in Casper Meets Wendy.
However, real fame came when she starred in the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire. The show ran from 2001 to 2004, and Hilary quickly became a role model for many teenagers. Merchandise featuring her character, from books and toys to dolls and video games, flooded the market. Hilary’s portrayal became beloved by many young fans, making her a household name.
In 2002, she starred in another Disney Channel hit, Cadet Kelly, which also garnered significant viewership and praise.
Between filming, Hilary worked on recording songs, including both original and cover versions. Her albums, including a Christmas collection, sold successfully, boosting her fame. She even signed a contract with a Hollywood company to further her music career.
In 2003, Hilary starred in The Lizzie McGuire Movie, which became a global success, far exceeding box office expectations, grossing $43 million in the U.S. and $55 million worldwide. The film also featured songs performed by Hilary, and her performance earned her two platinum certifications from major U.S. recording companies.
In 2004, she took on the lead role in the romantic comedy A Cinderella Story, a genre that suited the actress well.
A Change in Image
As Hilary continued to take on various acting roles and work on her music, she underwent a noticeable change in 2007 that attracted media attention. Her new look landed her spots on several magazine lists, including FHM and Maxim, as one of the “Most Beautiful Women” and “Sexiest Women.”
In 2009, Hilary appeared in the popular TV show Gossip Girl during its third season, playing Olivia Burke, showcasing her acting chops after a series of less successful teenage roles.
Hilary also explored the world of fashion, launching her first clothing line, Femme for DKNY, in 2008. In 2018, she returned to design with The Muse x Hilary Duff Collection, a line of eyewear.
She also celebrated when her likeness became a Barbie doll by Mattel, one of the world’s largest toy companies.
In addition to her acting and singing career, Hilary ventured into the fragrance industry, releasing her first perfume in 2006. Initially available only in the U.S., the fragrance expanded to Japan, Canada, and Australia. It became one of the best-selling perfumes of its time.
In 2007, Hilary launched another fragrance line, adding several personal scents to her portfolio.
Hilary even appeared in an ad for the popular computer game The Sims 2 (Pets Expansion Pack), featuring her dog. The ad, released in 2006, faced criticism from the Animal Protection Association for using a pet for promotional purposes.
Hilary Duff also explored writing. Collaborating with Elise Allen, she co-authored three young adult novels. The first and most popular of the trilogy, Elixir, was published in 2009 and became one of the most widely read books in the U.S.
In 2011, the second book, Devoted, was released, followed by the final installment, True, in 2013.
A Romantic Life
Hilary’s personal life has also garnered attention. She dated several high-profile individuals before settling down. In 2001, she had a relationship with teen heartthrob Aaron Carter, a singer and media personality. Their relationship lasted for three years.
In 2004, Hilary began dating Joel Madden, with a nine-year age difference between them. They were together for about two years.
In 2006, Hilary dealt with a stalker from Russia named Maksim Mayakovsky, who persistently harassed her. She sought legal protection, leading to his eventual arrest and a five-year prison sentence.
Hilary also faced personal challenges, including her parents’ divorce in 2007, which affected her deeply, though she didn’t talk about it openly at first. She channeled her emotions into her music, with some songs reflecting her feelings.
In 2007, Hilary began a relationship with hockey player Mike Comrie. The couple married in 2010, and two years later, Hilary gave birth to their son, Luca. In 2014, the couple separated but maintained a friendly relationship, co-parenting their son. In 2015, Hilary officially filed for divorce.
In 2017, Hilary began a relationship with musician Matthew Koma. The couple shares two daughters, Banks Violet Bair, born in 2018, and Mae James Bair, born in 2021.