HILARY DUFF (Lizzie McGuire) is becoming one of Hollywood’s fastest rising stars. The dynamic young actress has garnered world-wide recognition as the star of Disney Channel’s international hit series “Lizzie McGuire,” in which she portrays a teen navigating the turbulence of middle school cliques, trendy styles and rites of passage while her animated, brassy alter ego gives running commentary. “Lizzie McGuire” premiered in January 2001 and is now seen every day at 7:30 p.m. on Disney Channel and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. on the ABC Television Network.
Duff co-starred with Frankie Muniz in the MGM film “Agent Cody Banks.” She plays prep school student Natalie Connors, who is unknowingly caught between a new love, who is actually a secret teen agent, and her father, a scientist who unknowingly develops a fleet of deadly nanobots.
In April, 2003, she begins filming 20th Century Fox’s “Cheaper By The Dozen,” with Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt. In July, 2003, Hilary goes into production with a starring role in the Warner Bros. picture “Cinderella Story,” a comedy about a Southern California high school student who is transformed from an awkward teen into the most popular girl in school.
In 2002, Duff starred in the blockbuster “Cadet Kelly,” which ranks as Disney Channel’s highest rated original movie ever, the top-rated movie on both broadcast and cable television for its premiere week and cable television’s highest rated movie to date in 2002.
Last August, the multi-talented Duff crossed over to other platforms, making her singing debut with the single “I Can’t Wait” on the “Lizzie McGuire” soundtrack from Walt Disney Records. The song quickly catapulted up the charts on Christmas-themed album, “Santa Claus Lane,” by Walt Disney Records. On the album, Hilary duets with R&B/pop recording artist Christina Milian and with hip-hop artist Lil’ Romeo. In addition, she was chosen to perform “The Tiki Tiki Room” on the upcoming Disneymania album. She is currently recording a new album, which will be released in the fall of 2003.
Duff’s enormous popularity was further proven with a nomination for Favorite Television Actress for Nickelodeon’s “15th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards,” and she accepted the award for “Lizzie McGuire,” which was voted Favorite Television Series.
Duff made her stage debut at age six with BalletMet Columbus and its touring company of “The Nutcracker.” Her subsequent role in a television commercial spurred her longing to act and she soon amassed several television and film credits.
On television, she was featured in the mini-series “True Women” with Dana Delaney and Rachel Leigh Cook, in “Soul Collector” which earned her a “Young Artist Award” for Best Supporting Actress, and in a guest starring role on “Chicago Hope.” She had theatrical roles in “Playing by Heart” with Sean Connery, Dennis Quaid and Gena Rowlands; as the friendly ghost’s best friend, Wendy, in the successful video release “Casper Meets Wendy;” and in the Cannes Film Festival favorite “Human Nature” with Tim Robbins.
Born September 28, 1987, Duff splits her time between homes in Houston and Los Angeles with her parents, sister and two dogs. She enjoys swimming, tumbling and rollerblading. Duff has served on the Advisory Board of the Audrey Hepburn Child Benefit Fund and the Celebrity Council of Kids with a Cause.