Hilary Duff is a versatile American figure who is an actress, singer, writer, and businesswoman. She has received several awards, including seven Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, four Teen Choice Awards, and two Young Artist Awards.
Starting her acting career early, she gained recognition as a teen idol through her title role in the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire and its film adaptation. She has also appeared in films like Cadet Kelly, Agent Cody Banks, Cheaper by the Dozen, and A Cinderella Story.
Later in her career, she took on more adult-themed roles in independent films such as War, Inc., According to Greta, Bloodworth, and The Haunting of Sharon Tate. Notably, she played Kelsey Peters in the long-running series Younger from 2015 to 2021 and produced and starred in the Hulu sitcom How I Met Your Father from 2022 to 2023.
Hilary Duff was encouraged to become an actress by her mother
Hilary was born in Houston, Texas, on September 28, 1987, to her parents, Robert Erhard Duff, a partner in a chain of convenience stores, and Susan Colleen Duff, who transitioned from a homemaker to a film and music producer.
Apart from her parents, she has one older sibling, a sister named Haylie Duff, also an actress and singer. Growing up with her older sister, Hilary split her time between Houston and San Antonio, where her father’s convenience stores were.
Encouraged by their mother, both sisters delved into acting, singing, and ballet, earning roles in local theater productions and participating in a touring BalletMet production of The Nutcracker in San Antonio.
Driven by their growing interest in show business, the Duff family relocated to California in 1993, with the sisters and their mother making the move while their father remained in Houston to manage his business.
The siblings auditioned extensively, securing roles in numerous television commercials. Hilary’s acting pursuits led to her being homeschooled from the age of eight. Additionally, both sisters ventured into modeling for various clothing brands.
Hilary Duff and Haylie Duff with their children and mother during Thanksgiving (Source: Instagram)
Reflecting on their journey, the Younger actress emphasized their shared dedication and interest in performing, noting her mother’s supportive stance, saying, “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,” she concluded her statement
Hilary Duff discovered her ancestry in ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’
On the episode of Who Do You Think You Are? that aired on June 5, 2018, Hilary was left astonished when she found out about her connection to a significant figure in Scottish history. The 36-year-old actress, initially aware of her father’s prosperous background, had little knowledge about her mother’s more modest Southern roots.
Remarkably, experts traced her lineage back to her 21 times great-grandfather, none other than the iconic King of Scots, Robert the Bruce, a central figure in 13th-century Scottish history, as per Daily Mail.
Renowned for leading his country’s knights in simultaneous civil and English rule wars, Robert the Bruce ultimately secured Scotland’s independence. As genealogist Nick Barratt informed Hilary during a visit to Scotland, “If this was the 13th century, you would be a princess.”
Upon finding her ethnicity, Hilary expressed her amazement, stating, “Crazy to think I’ve gone my whole life never hearing of this man, and now I’m finding out that he’s my 21-times great grandfather and also such a hugely important part of history and such a brave man.”
The show delved into her family’s subsequent historical involvement, including the beheading of her nine times great-grandfather, Sir Robert Spottiswoode, during a turbulent civil war in Scotland.
The Spotswood family later played a crucial role in combating real-life Pirates of the Caribbean, including the inspiration for Johnny Depp‘s Jack Sparrow and Captain Thatch (Blackbeard).
After being forced from Scotland, Sir Robert’s grandson, Alexander Spotswood, Hilary’s seven-times great-grandfather, served as the lieutenant governor of the colony of Virginia, overseeing it on behalf of British royalty. The show highlighted his efforts in addressing the threat posed by pirates, leading to a proclamation by the King of England.
The actress, moved by these revelations, said, “It just gets crazier and crazier. I feel honored.” She expressed excitement about sharing these stories with her son, Luca, emphasizing that her newfound knowledge would be a source of pride and inspiration for him.
Hilary Duff is actively involved in Philanthropy and social works
After the debut of Lizzie McGuire, Hilary experienced a surge in fame and media attention. The show’s success led to an array of merchandise, including dolls, video games, plush figures, and McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys.
She played a pivotal role in reviving Hollywood Records with the release of Metamorphosis in 2003. The album’s success reflected Disney’s synergy across cable, film, and music segments. This transition from a Disney star to a successful singer became a blueprint for future acts like Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and Bridgit Mendler, who cited her as an influence.
Her songs, such as ‘Come Clean’ and ‘Sweet Sixteen,’ were featured on MTV, contributing to their popularity. Her Most Wanted Tour in support of her album Hilary Duff saw multiple sold-out dates.
Beyond her entertainment career, the actress is engaged in extensive philanthropy. She donated generously for Hurricane Katrina relief, worked with organizations like USA Harvest, and supported youth charities.
The Disney star turned singer actively participated in campaigns addressing LGBT issues, served as a youth ambassador in Bogotá, and contributed to initiatives for children’s welfare.
In 2020, amid the Australian bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, Hilary continued her philanthropic efforts.
She donated to bushfire relief, provided baby products for parents in need, and launched a donation campaign to address period poverty through her feminine care line “Veeda,” partnering with the non-profit organization PERIOD, as per PEOPLE.
Hilary Duff is pregnant with her 4th child
Hilary and singer-songwriter Matthew Koma began their romantic relationship in January 2017. The couple shared the exciting news of her pregnancy with their first child, a girl, on June 8, 2018. Their joy was realized when their first daughter was born on October 25, 2018.
Taking their commitment further, Hilary and Koma got engaged in May 2019 and subsequently tied the knot on December 21, 2019. The couple expanded their family once again when the actress announced her third pregnancy on October 24, 2020.
Their second child together, also a daughter, was born on March 24, 2021. In a further update, on December 12, 2023, Hilary joyfully revealed her fourth pregnancy, marking another chapter in the couple’s growing family.
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