Movies & TV | Music

A Look Inside Hilary Duff And Her Changing World


Hilary Duff

  The last time Hilary Duff appeared on the cover of Faze, she was just turning sweet sixteen. Her debut album, Metamorphosis, had hit #1 on the Billboard charts, spawning the hit singles “So Yesterday” and “Come Clean” – and selling 2.4 million copies in the first four months of release. She had just launched her clothing and accessory line, Stuff by Hilary Duff. She was about to star in two new movies. She was the girl-next-door. And, she was single. Fast track two years and it’s a whole new Duff world. New look, new sound, new movies and a controversial new boyfriend.

(Almost) Everything you needed to know about Hilary Duff!

Issue 22 Hilary Duff

» Full name Hilary Ann Duff
» Born September 28th, 1987
» Naturally a brunette
» Hilary stands at 5’1-1/2″
» Eyes are hazel-colored
» Favorite color: Pink
» Grew up in San Antonio, Texas
» Favorite movie: Dumb and Dumber
» Wants to go to the University of Texas
» Return to Freedom’s official Youth Ambassador
» Has an accessory line for pets called Little Dog Duff
» Favorite band: No Doubt, Good Charlotte and Blink 182
» Her role model is older sister Haylie
» Mother, Susan Duff, is a producer, and manages Hilary’s career
» Favorite drinks: Dr. Pepper and Sprite
» Favorite video game: Dance Dance Revolution
» Favorite foods: Mexican, sushi, Thai, Italian, burgers, pickles and jelly belly candy
» Always wanted to have Drew Barrymore, Britney Spears, Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon guest star on Lizzie McGuire

The Movies

Two years ago, Hilary was just starting her movie career. She had starred in The Lizzie McGuire Movie, based on her popular Disney TV show, and had supporting roles in Agent Cody Banks and Cheaper by the Dozen. In 2004, she starred in two movies: Raise Your Voice and the hit A Cinderella Story with heartthrob Chad Michael Murray. Her performance won Hilary her second Teen Choice Award (for Choice Movie Blush Scene) and six nominations overall.

In 2005, she paired up with Heather Locklear in The Perfect Man as a girl looking for love — for her mom. And look for Hilary as the daughter of Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt in Cheaper by the Dozen 2 in December. So what’s next for Hilary the movie star? Coming in 2006, Material Girls is a comedy about two wealthy sisters who get a wake-up call when their inheritance disappears. Co-starring with her big sis Haylie and Oscarwinner Anjelica Huston, this is a chance for Hilary to showcase her comedic talent. The Duff sisters will also cover Madonna’s “Material Girl” for the soundtrack. Starring with an Oscar winner and remaking a tune by the uncontested Queen of Pop? Not bad at all.

Hilary Duff

The Music

On September 28, 2004 — her 17th birthday — Hilary released her self-titled second album. Her music was maturing: Hilary Duff (which peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200) featured the single “Fly”. The accompanying video showed Hilary on tour, s o m e t i m e s looking tired and lonely, rocking out in front of a large crowd in tight black jeans. Her image was maturing, too.

Eleven months later, Hilary released Most Wanted, a greatest hits album. It included three new songs produced by the Good Charlotte brother-duo Benji and Joel Madden, and remixes of her earlier hits. Some people questioned how a seventeen-year-old could have enough material to warrant a greatest hits compilation, but critics don’t buy albums; fans do. Most Wanted hit #1, becoming Hilary’s third platinumselling album, and the first single, “Wake Up,” was her fourth top 50 single in two years.

A certain amount of change is expected from an artist, and when that artist is a teenaged pop star, the change affects more than the music. “I think it is the ultimate form of expression for me. My music is growing and evolving as I mature, and it’s cool that my fans are doing the same thing. What more can I ask for?” she says. Part of Hilary’s romantic evolution is her relationship with Joel Madden, who at 26 is eight years older than she is.

Hilary Duff

The Boyfriend

For two years Hilary and Joel denied they were a couple. Was it true or not? It was only this past summer — one month before Hilary’s 18th birthday, in fact — that they admitted it was love. When Hilary co-hosted the 2005 Teen Choice Awards with Rob Schneider, Hilary and Joel appeared together on stage, holding hands. To make it even clearer, Hilary referred to him as “my boyfriend Joel.” It was official. On her 18th birthday, Joel gave Hilary the one thing she’s always wanted — a Louis Vuitton makeup case.

The Duff-Madden romance isn’t the only controversy Hilary’s faced in the last two years. Her look has changed dramatically — weight loss, dental work, designer clothes. Hilary’s style was always sweet girl-nextdoor, and that girl has become a woman. She’s been hanging out at fashion shows, wearing designer labels like Stella McCartney and Zac Posen, and learning more about what makes her personal style her own.

The Same Girl Inside

Hilary Duff

Hilary Duff has changed a lot in two years, but one thing has remained the same — her role models, mom Susan and sis Haylie. “They work hard and never accept the word ‘no,’” she says. “They have taught me to deal with people and business honestly and fairly. Especially in spite of others, they always do the right thing at the end of the day.”

One of the right things Hilary has done this year is give her time and money to various charities and good causes. In September, she donated $200,000 US to the American Red Cross and $50,000 US to the USA Harvest organization to help build shelters and bring food to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

She is an International Spokesperson for non-profit organization Kids With A Cause (which she has been involved with since 1999) which sponsors the Food for a Friend program. Hilary encouraged her fans to bring canned food items to her Still Most Wanted 2005 tour, and these items are delivered to local shelters in each city she visits. “Ever since I was a young child, our family has always been directly involved with helping others,” she says. “It gives us a great feeling to know that we have the ability to make a difference in someone’s life.”

Hilary has also recorded an antiobesity public service announcement for American radio, which encourages children to eat right and exercise. “It is important for people to understand the health risks involved with obesity and how pertinent it is to eat healthy and exercise, so that you will be able to enjoy a long fit life,” she explains.

Hilary’s values haven’t changed at all. “The important things in life are family, health and happiness. Simply being happy with you,” she says. These are the things that get her through the craziness that is sometimes her life. “I realize every year who I am and the things that I can do if I stay humble and focused.” What’s her message to youth everywhere? “Never give up on your dreams. Always believe in yourself and your ability to do whatever you put your mind to.” Sounds like solid advice from the girl-next-door.

What’s Next

Besides two new movies, a maturing sound, adventures in fashion and love with a pop-punk star, what does the future hold for Hilary? “I want to continue to grow at a good pace, while at the same time being real and grounded.”


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