Hilary Duff is an actress and singer who was born September 28, 1987 in
Houston, Texas. Encouraged by her mother to take acting classes along
with her older sister, Haylie, Hilary and her sister acquired roles in
local theatre productions. By age six she had appeared in a ballet,
"The Nutcracker Suite," and with growing eagerness to pursue her career,
she and her sister moved to California along with their mother, while
their father stayed home in Houston. Both girls appeared in television
commercials and were able to acquire minor roles in a variety of series,
as well as serving as extras for movies. Her first significant role was
as the star of the film "Casper Meets Wendy," (1998) sharing the screen
with an animated ghost.
Moving on to television, Hilary appeared in a supporting role in "The
Soul Collector" (1999) for which she won a Young Artist Award as a
Supporting Actress. After a disappointing rejection from a new
television sitcom, she auditioned for a family comedy show where she was
allowed to shine and which gained her national prominence, "Lizzie
McGuire." A movie based on the show, which aired on the Disney Channel
in January of 2001 became a major ratings hit. She continued to appear
in feature films ("Human Nature") and Disney Channel productions,
including "Cadet Kelly" in 2002, with Gary Cole and Christy Romano,
which became the most watched program in the history of the Disney
Channel. Her next major role was in "Agent Cody Banks," along with
Frankie Muniz (from "Malcolm in the Middle"), then followed up with
a Steve Martin comedy, "Cheaper by the Dozen" and its 2005 sequel.
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After seeing Haylie Duff perform in a band, Hilary wanted to give it a
shot, releasing her first album, "Santa Claus Lane" in 2002, featuring
Christina Milian and Lil' Romeo, as well as her sister, and included the
hit single "Why Not?" Her next album, the following year,
"Metamorphosis," was a number one album on North American charts, with
lead single, "So Yesterday."
In 2005, the Hilary Duff "Beat Of My Heart" song, from her new album
"Most Wanted" represented works in which she was less of an industry and
more able to exercise creative control over the work. She has since
become involved with many charities, including animal rights, "Kids
With a Cause," and has contributed to relief efforts in the wake of
Hurricane Katrina. Hilary started her own clothing line, "Stuff By
Duff," in spring of 2004 and that same year Playmates Toys released a
Hilary Duff doll.
Hilary Duff remains a more admirable role model for young teens, though
much criticism surrounds the star from the usual sources that thrive in
celebrity environments. Where image promotion might emphasize Hilary
Duff Sedu hair style and hairstyles of Hilary Duff, there are others
more concerned with public absences, potential eating disorders, and
weight loss problems. While the majority of young male fans might dream
of a Hilary Duff bikini model, the young star continues to portray a
competent, artistic, and admirable role model. This is a star who is
coming into her own, taking charge of her career, and avoiding the
pitfalls of immaturity that have taken down many a young star. She will
likely emerge into the world of adult celebrities, relatively unscathed,
and it is hoped the princess lifestyle will one day evolve into that of
a serious and significant dramatic actress.
