Hilary Duff Biography: Age, Husband, Children, Net Worth and Career
Hilary Duff is an American actress, singer, songwriter and entrepreneur who became one of the most recognisable young entertainers of the early 2000s. She rose to international fame through her starring role in the Disney Channel television series Lizzie McGuire, which established her as a popular figure among young audiences. Her success later expanded into music, with albums such as Metamorphosis, Hilary Duff and Dignity helping her develop a successful career as a pop singer.
Beyond her early Disney success, Duff has built a career that includes film appearances, television productions, music releases, business ventures and publishing. She is also known for her performances in A Cinderella Story, Cheaper by the Dozen, Younger and How I Met Your Father. Her ability to move between acting and music has helped her maintain a public profile across different generations of entertainment audiences.
Born on September 28, 1987, in Houston, Texas, Duff began performing as a child alongside her older sister, Haylie Duff. Although her early career was shaped by children’s television, she gradually developed a more mature identity as an actress, recording artist and businesswoman. In 2026, she returned to the music industry with her sixth studio album, luck… or something, marking a significant new chapter in her career.
Her personal life has also attracted public interest. She is married to musician and songwriter Matthew Koma, and she has four children. Her journey from a young Disney star to an established entertainer and mother has made her an interesting personality in American popular culture.
Who Is Hilary Duff?
Hilary Erhard Duff is an American actress, singer, songwriter, author and entrepreneur. She is best known for playing the title character in Lizzie McGuire, the Disney Channel series that introduced her to international audiences.
Her entertainment career began during childhood, when she participated in acting auditions and theatrical productions. She initially gained recognition through television before moving into feature films and music.
Duff’s popularity increased significantly after the success of Lizzie McGuire. The series helped establish her as a leading young television personality and opened opportunities in the film and music industries.
Her transition into music was particularly successful. Her 2003 album, Metamorphosis, became a major commercial achievement and produced popular songs such as “So Yesterday” and “Come Clean.”
Over time, she expanded her career beyond teenage entertainment. She took on more mature acting roles, developed business interests and continued working on music.
Her television performance in Younger, which ran from 2015 to 2021, introduced her to another generation of viewers. She later starred in How I Met Your Father, further demonstrating her versatility as an actress.
Hilary Duff’s Age and Date of Birth
Hilary Duff was born on September 28, 1987, in Houston, Texas, United States.
As of November 8, 2026, she is 39 years old. Her zodiac sign is Libra.
She was born into a family with an interest in business and entertainment. Her mother, Susan Duff, supported her early ambitions, while her father, Robert Duff, worked in the convenience store business.
Her older sister, Haylie Duff, also pursued an entertainment career, and the two sisters participated in acting opportunities from an early age.
Duff’s childhood experiences in theatre, music and acting helped prepare her for the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Family Background
Hilary Duff grew up in Houston, Texas, alongside her older sister, Haylie Duff.
Her mother, Susan, played an important role in supporting the sisters’ early entertainment ambitions. Their father, Robert Duff, owned a chain of convenience stores in Texas.
From an early age, Hilary showed an interest in performing. She participated in ballet classes and local theatrical productions, often alongside her sister.
One of her early performance experiences came when she appeared in a production of The Nutcracker with BalletMet Columbus at the age of six.
The experience encouraged her interest in acting and helped her become more comfortable performing before audiences.
In 1993, Hilary and Haylie moved to California with their mother to pursue opportunities in entertainment. Their mother supported their careers and helped manage their early auditions.
As a child, Hilary also received home-schooling, allowing her to balance education with acting responsibilities.
Her early years in California exposed her to auditions, television productions and the competitive nature of the entertainment industry. These experiences eventually helped her secure the roles that established her career.
Hilary Duff’s Education
Hilary Duff received much of her early education through home-schooling.
Her mother helped manage her education while supporting her acting and music activities. This arrangement allowed her to continue studying while attending auditions and working on television productions.
As her entertainment career developed, Duff’s professional commitments became increasingly demanding.
Rather than follow a conventional university route, she concentrated on acting, music and developing her career.
Her experiences in the entertainment industry provided opportunities to learn about performance, production, business and the demands of working in film and television.
Although she became famous at a young age, Duff has continued to develop her professional interests beyond acting and music.
Hilary Duff’s Acting Career and Rise to Fame
Early Acting Roles
Hilary Duff began pursuing professional acting opportunities during childhood.
One of her early screen appearances came in the 1997 television miniseries True Women. Although the role did not immediately establish her as a major actress, it provided valuable experience.
She subsequently appeared in other television and film projects, gradually developing her acting abilities.
In 1998, she appeared in the film Casper Meets Wendy, where she played Wendy.
The project introduced her to a wider audience and helped her gain experience in family entertainment.
Her early performances eventually led to the opportunity that transformed her career.
Becoming Famous Through Lizzie McGuire
Duff achieved international recognition in 2001 when she was cast as the lead character in the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire.
The programme followed the experiences of an ordinary teenage girl dealing with school, friendships, family relationships and growing up.
Duff’s performance connected with young audiences because the character experienced relatable situations associated with adolescence.
The programme became a major success and established her as one of Disney Channel’s most recognisable young stars.
Its popularity also created opportunities beyond television. The success of the series led to The Lizzie McGuire Movie, released in 2003.
The film followed Lizzie during a trip to Italy and became another important milestone in Duff’s career.
The character remains one of the most significant roles associated with her entertainment journey.
A Cinderella Story and Other Movies
After establishing herself through Disney television, Duff moved into feature films and developed a broader acting portfolio.
One of her most recognised performances came in A Cinderella Story, released in 2004. She starred alongside Chad Michael Murray in the modern romantic comedy inspired by the traditional Cinderella story.
The film became popular among young audiences and remains one of her best-known movie appearances.
Other notable films from her career include:
- Agent Cody Banks (2003)
- Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)
- The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)
- A Cinderella Story (2004)
- Raise Your Voice (2004)
- Cheaper by the Dozen 2 (2005)
- Material Girls (2006)
- War, Inc. (2008)
- Beauty & the Briefcase (2010)
These projects allowed Duff to explore different roles while building her experience in the film industry.
Younger and How I Met Your Father
In 2015, Duff joined the cast of Younger, a television comedy-drama created by Darren Star.
She played Kelsey Peters, a publishing professional whose career develops alongside the central character played by Sutton Foster.
The programme ran for seven seasons, concluding in 2021. Her performance helped establish her as a mature television actress beyond her earlier Disney image.
In 2022, Duff took another leading television role in How I Met Your Father.
The series served as a companion to the popular sitcom How I Met Your Mother. Duff played Sophie, a woman navigating relationships, friendships and career decisions in New York City.
The programme ran for two seasons before ending in 2023.
These television projects demonstrated her ability to remain active in the entertainment industry as her career evolved.
Hilary Duff’s Music Career and Albums
In addition to acting, Hilary Duff has developed a successful music career.
Her musical journey began during her teenage years, when her popularity through Lizzie McGuire created opportunities to record and release songs.
Her early music connected with young audiences through catchy pop melodies, relatable lyrics and an energetic performance style.
Santa Claus Lane
In 2002, Duff released her debut studio album, Santa Claus Lane.
The Christmas-themed project introduced her as a recording artist and included songs associated with the holiday season.
The album helped establish her musical identity and prepared the way for her subsequent commercial success.
Metamorphosis
Her second studio album, Metamorphosis, arrived in 2003 and became one of the defining releases of her music career.
The album featured popular songs such as:
- So Yesterday
- Come Clean
- Little Voice
- Anywhere But Here
It achieved major commercial success and helped establish Duff as a prominent young pop singer.
The project also benefited from her growing international recognition following Lizzie McGuire.
Hilary Duff and Dignity
In 2004, she released her self-titled album, Hilary Duff.
The project continued her development as a pop artist and featured songs that explored relationships, personal experiences and independence.
In 2007, she released Dignity, which introduced a more dance-oriented sound.
The album included songs such as “With Love” and “Stranger.” It represented a more mature musical direction and demonstrated her willingness to experiment with different pop styles.
Breathe In. Breathe Out.
After several years of concentrating on acting and family life, Duff returned to music with Breathe In. Breathe Out. in 2015.
The album featured songs including “Chasing the Sun,” “All About You” and “Sparks.”
Although the project received attention from longtime fans, she subsequently spent an extended period away from releasing full-length studio albums.
Luck… or Something and Her 2026 Musical Comeback
In February 2026, Hilary Duff released her sixth studio album, luck… or something, marking her return to full-length music releases after more than a decade.
The album contains 11 tracks and was co-written by Duff and her husband, Matthew Koma, who also contributed to its production.
Its songs explore adulthood, relationships, motherhood, personal experiences and the changes that come with growing older.
The album includes previously released singles such as “Mature” and “Roommates.”
Its release represented an important moment in her career because it allowed her to return to music with a perspective shaped by years of personal and professional experiences.
Duff also resumed live performances, beginning with intimate shows before announcing a larger international tour.
Her return demonstrated that her music career remained an important part of her identity despite her extended break from the industry.
Hilary Duff’s Net Worth and Sources of Income
Hilary Duff has accumulated wealth through acting, music, television production opportunities, publishing and business ventures.
Her estimated net worth is approximately $25 million, although this figure is an unofficial estimate rather than a confirmed statement of her personal finances.
Her financial success comes from several professional activities.
Acting: Duff earned income from television series, films and entertainment projects throughout her career. Her performances in Lizzie McGuire, A Cinderella Story, Younger and How I Met Your Father contributed to her professional earnings.
Music: Album sales, music streaming, recording contracts, performances and touring have provided additional income.
Television projects: Her long-running television roles and entertainment appearances have helped establish a consistent source of professional earnings.
Publishing: Duff has also developed a career as an author, with books contributing to her wider professional portfolio.
Business ventures: Her entrepreneurial interests include lifestyle and consumer-related ventures, allowing her to expand beyond entertainment.
Brand partnerships: Commercial collaborations and promotional activities have also formed part of her business activities.
Her financial position reflects a career that began during childhood and developed across several areas of entertainment and business.
Hilary Duff’s Personal Life and Relationships
Hilary Duff’s personal life has attracted considerable public attention, particularly her relationships, marriage and experience raising children while maintaining an entertainment career.
She was previously married to Canadian former professional ice hockey player Mike Comrie. The couple began dating in 2007 and announced their engagement in February 2010.
They married on August 14, 2010, in Santa Barbara, California. Their first child was born in 2012.
However, their relationship eventually ended, and they announced their separation in January 2014. Their divorce was finalised in 2016.
Following the separation, Duff continued focusing on her career and family life. She later began a relationship with musician and songwriter Matthew Koma.
The couple became engaged in May 2019 and married on December 21, 2019, in an intimate ceremony at their home in Los Angeles.
Koma has also contributed to Duff’s music career, particularly her 2026 album, luck… or something.
Their relationship has attracted attention because of their shared interests in music, family and entertainment.
Hilary Duff’s Husband: Who Is Matthew Koma?
Matthew Koma is an American singer, songwriter and record producer. He is known for his work with several international music artists and his contributions to popular recordings.
Before marrying Duff, Koma established himself in the music industry through songwriting, production and collaborations.
He has worked with artists including Zedd, Britney Spears and P!nk.
One of his most recognised songwriting contributions is Zedd’s Grammy-winning song “Clarity,” which featured Foxes.
His relationship with Duff developed through their professional and personal connections before they eventually married.
Koma has also played an important role in Duff’s musical comeback. He co-wrote and produced much of her sixth studio album, luck… or something.
Together, they balance their professional activities with raising their children.
Hilary Duff’s Children and Family Life
Hilary Duff has four children from her previous marriage and current relationship.
Her children are:
- Luca Cruz Comrie
- Banks Violet Bair
- Mae James Bair
- Townes Meadow Bair
Her first child, Luca, was born on March 20, 2012, during her marriage to Mike Comrie.
After marrying Matthew Koma, she welcomed three more children.
Their first daughter, Banks, was born in October 2018. Their second daughter, Mae, arrived in March 2021.
In May 2024, Duff and Koma welcomed their third child together, a daughter named Townes.
Motherhood has become an important part of Duff’s personal identity. She has spoken publicly about the experiences of raising children while managing the responsibilities of acting, recording music and maintaining family relationships.
Her children have also influenced her perspective on adulthood and personal development, themes that feature in her recent music.
In 2026, she and Koma brought their children along for parts of her touring activities, giving the family an opportunity to experience life on the road together.
Hilary Duff’s Business Ventures and Other Activities
Beyond acting and music, Hilary Duff has explored different business and creative opportunities.
Her interests include publishing, lifestyle products and commercial partnerships.
She has written books for young readers and adults, including the Elixir series, which helped establish her as an author.
Her publishing work demonstrates another aspect of her creativity outside the entertainment industry.
Duff has also been involved in fashion and lifestyle-related projects. Her public profile has created opportunities to collaborate with consumer brands and develop products aimed at different audiences.
These activities have allowed her to build a professional identity that extends beyond her early success as a Disney Channel actress.
Major Achievements and Recognition
Hilary Duff has achieved several milestones throughout her career in acting, music and entertainment.
Her notable achievements include:
- Becoming internationally recognised for playing Lizzie McGuire.
- Starring in The Lizzie McGuire Movie in 2003.
- Releasing the commercially successful album Metamorphosis in 2003.
- Establishing herself as a successful young pop recording artist.
- Starring in popular films such as A Cinderella Story and Cheaper by the Dozen.
- Playing Kelsey Peters in the television series Younger.
- Starring in How I Met Your Father.
- Publishing the Elixir young adult book series.
- Returning to music with her sixth studio album, luck… or something, in 2026.
- Launching a major international touring chapter with the Lucky Me Tour.
Her achievements demonstrate her ability to maintain a career across different entertainment industries while adapting to changes in audience interests.
Interesting Facts About Hilary Duff
Here are some interesting facts about the American actress and singer:
- Her full name is Hilary Erhard Duff.
- She was born on September 28, 1987.
- Her birthplace is Houston, Texas, United States.
- She is the younger sister of actress Haylie Duff.
- She began performing professionally as a child.
- She became famous through Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire.
- Her album Metamorphosis was released in 2003.
- She starred alongside Chad Michael Murray in A Cinderella Story.
- She played Kelsey Peters in Younger.
- She has four children.
- She married musician Matthew Koma in December 2019.
- She was previously married to Mike Comrie.
- Her sixth studio album, luck… or something, was released in February 2026.
- She has also established herself as an author and entrepreneur.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hilary Duff
1. Who is Hilary Duff?
Hilary Duff is an American actress, singer, songwriter, author and entrepreneur. She is best known for playing Lizzie McGuire in the Disney Channel television series and appearing in films such as A Cinderella Story.
2. How old is Hilary Duff?
Hilary Duff is 39 years old as of November 8, 2026. She was born on September 28, 1987.
3. Where was Hilary Duff born?
She was born in Houston, Texas, United States.
4. Who is Hilary Duff’s husband?
Her husband is Matthew Koma, an American musician, songwriter and record producer. They married on December 21, 2019.
5. How many children does Hilary Duff have?
Hilary Duff has four children: Luca, Banks, Mae and Townes.
6. Who was Hilary Duff married to before Matthew Koma?
She was previously married to Canadian former professional ice hockey player Mike Comrie. Their marriage lasted from 2010 until their divorce was finalised in 2016.
7. What is Hilary Duff’s estimated net worth?
Her estimated net worth is approximately $25 million. This is an unofficial estimate based on her acting, music, publishing and business activities.
8. What made Hilary Duff famous?
She became famous through her starring role in the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire. The programme helped establish her as a popular young actress in the early 2000s.
9. What are Hilary Duff’s most popular movies?
Some of her best-known movies include A Cinderella Story, The Lizzie McGuire Movie, Cheaper by the Dozen, Agent Cody Banks, Raise Your Voice and Material Girls.
10. What television shows has Hilary Duff appeared in?
Her television credits include Lizzie McGuire, Younger and How I Met Your Father, among other productions.
11. What is Hilary Duff’s latest album?
Her sixth studio album is luck… or something, released in February 2026. The album features songs such as “Mature” and “Roommates.”
12. Is Hilary Duff still making music?
Yes. She returned to music in 2025 with the single “Mature” and released luck… or something in February 2026. She has also resumed live performances and touring.
Conclusion
Hilary Duff’s journey from a young actress in Houston, Texas, to an internationally recognised entertainer reflects years of professional development and personal growth.
Her breakthrough role in Lizzie McGuire established her as a major Disney Channel personality, while her successful transition into music and feature films expanded her popularity.
Over the years, she has demonstrated her versatility through television productions, music releases, publishing and business activities. Her performance in Younger and her return to music in 2026 have further strengthened her position in the entertainment industry.
Away from her professional career, Duff is married to Matthew Koma and has four children. Her experiences with marriage, motherhood and personal development have also influenced her recent creative work.
Today, she remains a recognised figure in American entertainment, with a career that continues to evolve beyond the television success that first introduced her to international audiences.

Adeshina Lanre is a contributing writer at Legit People Biographies, covering the life stories, backgrounds, careers, achievements and personal profiles of notable personalities. He writes informative biography articles that help readers discover the people behind the names, including celebrities, entrepreneurs, musicians, actors and other influential figures.