Hilary Ann Duff (born September 28, 1987) is an American actress who was born in Houston, Texas and who started her career at the age of six with The Cechetti Ballet in San Antonio, Texas. She also starred in some television commercials. One of her nicknames is "Juicy". Other nicknames include Hil, Hilly and Hils.
Duff was the star of the successful Disney Channel show Lizzie McGuire and has appeared on the covers of teen magazines and become highly popular among children commonly called "tweens, i.e. those between the ages of 7 and 14. She dated singer Aaron Carter, brother of The Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter. She has most recently (2004) been romantically linked to Jordan Masterson, younger brother of Danny Masterson and Chris Masterson.
Duff, in addition to waking up at 4:30 a.m. every weekday to tape her shows and do homework, is also pursuing an emerging singing career. She has also appeared in the movies Cadet Kelly, Agent Cody Banks, and The Lizzie McGuire Movie. In 2003, she acted in A Cinderella Story, alongside Chad Michael Murray, an actor she has been rumored to date.
Her sister Haylie Duff is a ballet dancer who has made a guest appearance on Lizzie McGuire.
Duff is involved with many charity groups, is an animal rights enthusiast, and a member of "Kids With a Cause".
Duff announced in 2003 that she will not act in the Lizzie McGuire show any more.
Her first album entitled Metamorphosis was released on August 26, 2003 and debuted at number one.