Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Hilary Duff
How Hilary Duff built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Hilary Duff is a multi-talented American actress, singer, author, and businesswoman. Throughout her career, she has received numerous awards and accolades, including a World Music Award, seven Kids' Choice Awards, four Teen Choice Awards, and two Young Artist Awards, recognizing her contributions and popularity in the entertainment industry.
1997: Played a minor role in True Women
In 1997, Hilary Duff played an uncredited part in the Hallmark Entertainment western miniseries True Women.
1998: Landed first major role in Casper Meets Wendy
In 1998, Hilary Duff landed her first major role as Wendy in Casper Meets Wendy, based on the Harvey Comics characters. She also played an uncredited extra in Playing by Heart.
1999: Received Young Artist Award for The Soul Collector
In 1999, after appearing in The Soul Collector, Hilary Duff received a Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Movie or Pilot (Supporting Young Actress).
January 12, 2001: Lizzie McGuire Premiered
On January 12, 2001, Lizzie McGuire premiered on Disney Channel, becoming a ratings hit and establishing Hilary Duff as a teen idol.
2001: Starred in Lizzie McGuire
In 2001, Hilary Duff gained recognition as the title character in the Disney Channel comedy series Lizzie McGuire, quickly becoming a teen idol.
October 2002: Released Santa Claus Lane album
In October 2002, Hilary Duff released her debut Christmas-themed album, Santa Claus Lane, through Walt Disney Records and later Buena Vista Records.
2002: Starred in Cadet Kelly
In 2002, Hilary Duff starred in the Disney Channel television film Cadet Kelly, which became the network's most watched program at the time.
2002: Released Santa Claus Lane
In 2002, Hilary Duff's debut studio album, the Christmas-themed Santa Claus Lane, was released through Buena Vista Records.
2002: Comparisons to Annette Funicello
In 2002, Richard Huff of the New York Daily News called Hilary Duff "a 2002 version of Annette Funicello" following the success of Lizzie McGuire, noting it was both a blessing and a burden for her.
March 2003: Featured in Agent Cody Banks
In March 2003, Hilary Duff featured in the children's action comedy film Agent Cody Banks with Frankie Muniz.
August 2003: Released Metamorphosis album
In August 2003, Hilary Duff released her second studio album, Metamorphosis, which topped the Billboard 200 chart in the United States.
December 2003: Co-starred in Cheaper by the Dozen
In December 2003, Hilary Duff co-starred as one of the twelve children in the family comedy Cheaper by the Dozen.
2003: Released Metamorphosis album
In 2003, Hilary Duff released her second album, Metamorphosis, which topped the Billboard 200 chart and achieved significant commercial success.
2003: Starred in The Lizzie McGuire Movie
In 2003, Hilary Duff starred in The Lizzie McGuire Movie and also appeared in mainstream films such as Agent Cody Banks and Cheaper by the Dozen.
2003: Revival of Hollywood Records
In 2003, Hilary Duff was credited with the revival of Hollywood Records following the release of Metamorphosis, which helped the label recover after a decline in CD sales.
2003: "Come Clean" and "Sweet Sixteen" used as theme songs
In 2003, Hilary Duff's song "Come Clean" was used as the theme song for the MTV reality series Laguna Beach, and her song "Sweet Sixteen" was used as the theme for the MTV reality series of the same name.
2003: Public Image tied to Lizzie McGuire
In 2003, Richard Huff stated that Hilary Duff's public image is "tied" to Lizzie McGuire.
February 14, 2004: Final episode of Lizzie McGuire aired
On February 14, 2004, the final episode of Lizzie McGuire aired, following the fulfillment of Hilary Duff's 65-episode contract. Plans for a second film and a television spin-off fell through due to salary disagreements.
March 2004: Launched clothing line "Stuff by Hilary Duff"
In March 2004, Hilary Duff launched her first clothing line, "Stuff by Hilary Duff", which was distributed by various retailers until 2007.
2004: Starred in A Cinderella Story
In 2004, Hilary Duff appeared in A Cinderella Story. Also, the Lizzie McGuire series ended, following the fulfillment of Duff's 65-episode contract.
2004: Released Hilary Duff album
In 2004, Hilary Duff released her self-titled third album, which achieved commercial success.
2004: Most Wanted Tour
In 2004, multiple dates on Hilary Duff's Most Wanted Tour sold out in minutes.
2005: Starred in Cheaper by the Dozen 2
In 2005, Hilary Duff appeared in Cheaper by the Dozen 2.
2005: Hurricane Katrina Relief Donations
In 2005, Hilary Duff donated $250,000 and over 2.5 million meals to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina in the southern US.
2005: Released Most Wanted compilation
In 2005, Hilary Duff released her compilation album, Most Wanted, which achieved commercial success.
2005: Starred in The Perfect Man and Released Most Wanted
In 2005, Hilary Duff starred in The Perfect Man and released her first compilation album, Most Wanted, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
2005: Most Wanted compilation album
In 2005, the new material featured on Hilary Duff's Most Wanted compilation album began to see her transfer towards a more pop and dance friendly sound.
August 2006: New Orleans Elementary School Visit
In August 2006, Hilary Duff traveled to a New Orleans elementary school and worked with USA Harvest to distribute meals.
September 2006: First Perfume Release
In September 2006, Hilary Duff released her first perfume, "With Love... Hilary Duff", distributed by Elizabeth Arden. Initially sold only at Macy's, it expanded to Europe, Japan, and Canada, becoming a top-selling fragrance in department stores that year.
2007: Released Dignity album
In 2007, Hilary Duff released her album, Dignity, which achieved commercial success.
2007: Dignity Album Release and Mature Image
In 2007, Hilary Duff released her fourth studio album, Dignity, featuring a dance and electropop sound and lyrical themes related to her personal life. Although it received positive reviews, it didn't match the commercial success of her previous releases, despite the success of the single "With Love". Also in 2007, Hilary adopted a more mature image.
2007: Transition to "breakout sex symbol"
In 2007, Hilary Duff's appearance on the cover of Maxim was accompanied by the declaration that she had gone "from the queen of teen to breakout sex symbol."
2007: End of Distribution for "Stuff by Hilary Duff"
In 2007, the distribution for the clothing line "Stuff by Hilary Duff" ended.
October 2008: Think Before You Speak Campaign
In October 2008, Hilary Duff starred in a public service announcement for The Think Before You Speak Campaign by Ad Council and GLSEN to prevent youth from using anti-LGBT vocabulary.
December 2008: New Album Plans and Stuff by Hilary Duff Discontinued
In December 2008, Hilary Duff announced plans to write another album, which was never developed. Also in 2008, she lost control over Stuff by Hilary Duff, leading to the line's discontinuation.
July 2009: Youth Ambassador to Bogotá
In July 2009, Hilary Duff was named as a youth ambassador to the children of the Colombian capital, Bogotá. She spent five days in the country, distributing backpacks filled with food to children in need.
August 2009: Femme for DKNY Jeans Collaboration
In August 2009, Hilary Duff collaborated with DKNY Jeans to co-design an apparel line called Femme for DKNY Jeans, targeting women her age. The line was available for a limited time in the United States.
2009: Starred in According to Greta
In 2009, Hilary Duff appeared in the independent film According to Greta.
October 2010: Elixir Book Release
In October 2010, Hilary Duff released her young adult novel, Elixir, co-authored with Elise Allen, which became a New York Times best-seller.
2010: Co-authored Elixir
In 2010, Hilary Duff co-authored the novel Elixir, which topped The New York Times Best Seller list.
October 2011: Devoted Book Release
In October 2011, Hilary Duff released Devoted, the sequel to her novel Elixir.
2011: Starred in Bloodworth
In 2011, Hilary Duff appeared in the independent film Bloodworth.
2011: Co-authored Devoted
In 2011, Hilary Duff co-authored the sequel to Elixir, titled Devoted.
January 2012: Music Plans Confirmed
In January 2012, Hilary Duff confirmed she had started working on new music.
August 2012: Sitcom Deal with 20th Century Fox
In August 2012, Hilary Duff signed a deal with 20th Century Fox to develop and produce a sitcom starring herself, but the project didn't materialize.
2012: Johnson's Baby Cares Campaign Involvement
In 2012, Hilary Duff was involved in the Johnson's Baby Cares campaign, sending care kits and cards to new mothers, and raising funds for children and low-income families in partnership with Save the Children.
July 2013: Flock of Dudes Filming Completion
By July 2013, Hilary Duff had finished filming the independent film Flock of Dudes.
November 2013: Duracell Campaign for Kids in Hospitals
In November 2013, Hilary Duff teamed up with Duracell in Canada for a campaign for kids in hospitals, donating 20,000 batteries to hospitals across Canada. She visited The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto to promote the campaign.
2013: Co-authored True
In 2013, Hilary Duff co-authored the sequel to Devoted, titled True.
January 15, 2014: Younger Co-Starring Role
On January 15, 2014, Hilary Duff signed on to co-star in the comedy-drama pilot Younger for TV Land.
April 2014: Younger Series Pick-Up
In April 2014, the pilot for Younger was picked up for a series with a 12-episode deal.
May 1, 2014: iHeartRadio Music Awards Attendance
On May 1, 2014, Hilary Duff attended the iHeartRadio Music Awards, confirming she was working with songwriter Savan Kotecha and singer Ed Sheeran.
July 23, 2014: RCA Records Signing
On July 23, 2014, it was revealed that Hilary Duff had signed with RCA Records.
July 29, 2014: "Chasing the Sun" Single Release
On July 29, 2014, Hilary Duff released the single "Chasing the Sun" with an accompanying music video.
November 2014: Dora the Explorer Voice Work
In November 2014, Hilary Duff provided voice work as Jessica the Ice Witch for a special Dora the Explorer episode.
2014: Album sales
By 2014, Hilary Duff had sold over fifteen million albums.
2014: Vocal about paparazzi photographing children
In 2014, Hilary Duff expressed her anger on Twitter regarding paparazzi taking pictures of her son without her consent and referring to #NoKidsPolicy, a bill supported by Halle Berry and Jennifer Garner.
2014: Shift to dance-pop sound
In 2014, Hilary Duff shifted from a more folk influenced sound to a dance-pop record, consolidating her as a dance-pop singer.
March 31, 2015: Younger Series Premiere
On March 31, 2015, Younger premiered on TV Land, marking Hilary Duff's first starring role in a TV series since Lizzie McGuire.
April 6, 2015: "Sparks" Single Release
On April 6, 2015, Hilary Duff released the single "Sparks" from her fifth studio album, Breathe In. Breathe Out..
June 12, 2015: Breathe In. Breathe Out. Album Release
On June 12, 2015, Hilary Duff released her fifth studio album, Breathe In. Breathe Out..
2015: Starred in Younger
In 2015, Hilary Duff began starring as Kelsey Peters in TV Land's series Younger.
2015: Released Breathe In. Breathe Out. album
In 2015, Hilary Duff released her fifth album, Breathe In. Breathe Out., after signing with RCA Records.
January 2016: "Little Lies" Cover Release
In January 2016, Hilary Duff's cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Little Lies" was released, coinciding with the second season of Younger.
February 2016: Tour Cancellation
In February 2016, Hilary Duff announced she would not be touring in support of the album Breathe In. Breathe Out..
June 2016: New Album Announcement
In June 2016, Hilary Duff revealed she was working on a new album with a "darker and heavier tone".
September 2016: Flock of Dudes Released
In September 2016, the film Flock of Dudes, filmed in 2013, was released.
2016: People's Choice Awards Nomination
In 2016, Hilary Duff earned a nomination for Favorite Cable TV Actress at the People's Choice Awards for her performance in Younger.
2017: People's Choice Awards Nomination
In 2017, Hilary Duff earned a nomination for Favorite Cable TV Actress at the People's Choice Awards for her performance in Younger.
2017: Essay on Hurricane Harvey Damages
In 2017, Hilary Duff published an essay through Marie Claire about the damages that Hurricane Harvey left on her hometown.
January 2018: Eyewear Line Launch and Independent Film
In January 2018, Hilary Duff launched a collaborative eyewear line with GlassesUSA called the "Muse x Hilary Duff" collection and announced filming of The Haunting of Sharon Tate.
September 2018: Meet Your Tooth Fairy Voice Role
In September 2018, Hilary Duff was confirmed to be lending her voice as the lead character in the animated film Meet Your Tooth Fairy.
2018: Hanalei Floods Relief Efforts
In 2018, Hilary Duff raised relief efforts for the 2018 Hanalei floods via sales of her "Muse x Hilary Duff Collection".
January 2019: Duff invests in "Nudestix"
In January 2019, Hilary Duff and comedian Chelsea Handler invested in the cosmetics line "Nudestix".
April 2019: The Haunting of Sharon Tate Release
In April 2019, The Haunting of Sharon Tate was released, receiving negative reviews. Despite this, Hilary Duff won Best Actress at the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival for her role in the film.
August 2019: Lizzie McGuire revival announced
In August 2019, Hilary Duff announced at the D23 Expo that she would reprise her role as the titular character in a revival of the Lizzie McGuire series on Disney+.
September 2019: Make-up kit "Daydreamer" launched
In September 2019, Hilary Duff launched her own make-up kit named "Daydreamer" following her investment in Nudestix.
November 2019: Duff becomes co-owner of Naturalena Brands
In November 2019, Hilary Duff was announced as the new co-owner and chief brand officer of Naturalena Brands' line of baby and feminine care products.
2019: Starred in The Haunting of Sharon Tate
In 2019, Hilary Duff appeared in the independent film The Haunting of Sharon Tate.
January 9, 2020: Terri Minsky departs as Lizzie McGuire showrunner
On January 9, 2020, following the filming of two episodes, it was reported that Terri Minsky departed as showrunner of the Lizzie McGuire revival due to "creative differences", halting production of the series.
February 2020: Features on "Never Let You Go" single and appears in "CVS" music video
In February 2020, Hilary Duff featured on the single "Never Let You Go", a cover by RAC, along with her husband Matthew Koma. She also made a cameo in the music video for the single "CVS" by Koma's band, Winnetka Bowling League.
May 2020: Duff to star in Younger spinoff
In May 2020, it was reported that Hilary Duff would star in a spinoff series of Younger, reprising her role as Kelsey Peters, with Darren Star attached to the project.
August 2020: Duff affirms optimism about Lizzie McGuire revival
In August 2020, Hilary Duff affirmed that she was "optimistic that [the Lizzie McGuire revival] will happen" after completing filming Younger's final season.
October 2020: "Veeda in Action" Donation Campaign
In October 2020, Hilary Duff launched the "Veeda in Action" donation campaign via her feminine care line "Veeda", partnering with PERIOD to donate period products to those in need throughout the month.
December 16, 2020: Lizzie McGuire revival scrapped
On December 16, 2020, Hilary Duff confirmed that the Lizzie McGuire revival was scrapped by Disney+ due to high expectations from fans that the show would not meet.
February 23, 2021: Romper collection with Smash + Tess launches
On February 23, 2021, Hilary Duff's collaboration with the romper company Smash + Tess, designing a collection of rompers for mothers and children, was launched and reportedly sold out within minutes.
March 2021: Releases children's book, "My Little Brave Girl"
In March 2021, Hilary Duff released a children's picture book titled My Little Brave Girl, which was published by Random House Children's and inspired by her daughter Banks.
April 2021: Spinoff described as a "female Entourage"
In April 2021, Darren Star described the Younger spinoff as a "female Entourage", focusing on Kelsey Peters in Los Angeles.
April 2021: Duff to star in How I Met Your Father
In April 2021, Hilary Duff announced that she would star in a spinoff of How I Met Your Mother titled How I Met Your Father. She will also serve as a producer on the show.
June 10, 2021: Younger spinoff no longer in the works
On June 10, 2021, it was announced that the Younger spinoff, in which Hilary Duff was set to star, was no longer in development.
July 2021: Younger soundtrack released
In July 2021, the Younger soundtrack album was released digitally, including Hilary Duff's cover of Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" from the season six premiere and her 2016 cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Little Lies".
August 2021: Filming for How I Met Your Father begins, Duff contracts COVID-19
In August 2021, filming began for How I Met Your Father in Los Angeles, but was paused after just three days when Hilary Duff contracted COVID-19.
2021: Ended run in Younger
In 2021, Hilary Duff ended her run as Kelsey Peters in TV Land's series Younger.
January 18, 2022: How I Met Your Father premieres
On January 18, 2022, How I Met Your Father, starring Hilary Duff, premiered on Hulu and met with mixed reception.
February 15, 2022: How I Met Your Father renewed for season 2
On February 15, 2022, Hulu renewed How I Met Your Father, starring Hilary Duff, for a 20-episode second season.
May 18, 2022: Duff becomes Chief Mom Officer of Carter's
On May 18, 2022, Hilary Duff became the first-ever Chief Mom Officer of the children's apparel company Carter's, also designing a clothing capsule collection for children as part of the collaboration.
2022: Starred in How I Met Your Father
In 2022, Hilary Duff began starring as Sophie Tompkins in the Hulu sitcom How I Met Your Father.
September 2023: How I Met Your Father cancelled
In September 2023, Hulu cancelled the series How I Met Your Father after two seasons, which starred Hilary Duff.
November 2023: Releases children's book, "My Little Sweet Boy"
In November 2023, Hilary Duff released her second children’s picture book, titled "My Little Sweet Boy."
November 2023: Duff Unveils Chief Brand Director role at Below 60°
In November 2023, Hilary Duff unveiled a new business venture as Chief Brand Director of Below 60°, a line of home fragrance products launched that same month.
2023: Ended run in How I Met Your Father
In 2023, Hilary Duff ended her run as Sophie Tompkins in the Hulu sitcom How I Met Your Father.
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