Clothes to Charities

Background:

"I love clothes. I can't control myself. I have a huge fetish for shoes and clothes and make-up. I'm the kind of person who doesn't like to wear things over and over again." Hillary Duff

Sounds like typical words a teenager might voice, but because they belong to teen actress and singer Hillary Duff, one might take in consideration that the youth owns a career as successful as that of a mature superstar. And in the midst of her success Hilary balances enough time to enjoy her life. The launching of her clothing line, Stuff, on March 12, 2004, marks just how much she loves clothes.

Besides shopping and furthering her career, Hilary is also involved with charities. In 2004 she was the international spokesperson of KID With A Cause, an organization that specializes in poverty-stricken children, and contributed a portion of all ticket sales from her concert to support the Tsunami Relief Effort.

Family's Knack

Childhood and Family:

Hillary Ann Duff, the younger of two sisters, was born on September 28th, 1987, in Houston, Texas, to parents Bob Duff and Susan Duff. Hillary is a protégé of an entertainment family, Hillary's mother is a producer and her sister, Haylie Duff, is in the music group Inventing Venus. At age 6 Hillary joined Cechetti Ballet's tour. During the tour, Duff realized that she wanted to be an actress.

Because of her success, Hillary has many fans. One night her mother became so frustrated when she thought a man was pestering her famous daughter, that she pursued him in a late-night car chase through Los Angeles. This event occurred just days after an attempted break-in through the basement window of their home and Hillary's mother was intent on keeping Hillary safe.

Duff, who enjoys swimming, tumbling and roller blading, splits her time between homes in Houston and Los Angeles with her parents, sister and two dogs.

Fairy Tales

Career:

Advancement came instantly for Hilary. After a commercial appearance and hard work, the 10-year old Hillary landed her first role in the TV movie, True Women. Soon after she starred in Casper Meets Wendy (1998). In 1999, Hilary received a significant role in The Soul Collector, a TV movie that boosted her recognition and awarded her the Young Artist Award for Best Supporting Young Actress in a TV Movie or Pilot.

After succeeding in some small roles, the Disney Channel offered her a lead role in Lizzie McGuire (2001). The series gained success and displayed Hilary's name to an international audience. It proved to be the major breakthrough of her career.

In 2003, The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003) was released in theaters, drawing a remarkable $42 million locally. Lizzie McGuire propelled Hilary to the top ranks of young entertainers. She also contributed her vocals to the Lizzie McGuire television soundtrack album, with the hit, "I Can't Wait." Hilary also appeared in film Agent Cody Banks in 2003.

Duff recorded her voice and released her debut album Metamorphosis. Hillary's ongoing success is indeed remarkable as Metamorphosis hit No. 2 on the Billboard charts. Hilary's two singles, "So Yesterday" and "Come Clean", dwelled in the top 40. The album consisted of various styles and displays her flexibility in music. Hillary toured Japan, Australia, America, and Europe to promote the album. Busy with the promotion of her debut album, Hilary also continued her acting career. She appeared in the movie, Cheaper by the Dozen, and was awarded the Young Artist Award for Best Young Ensemble in a Feature Film. Staying busy, Hillary next appeared as Sam in the film, A Cinderella Story.

Although just a teenager, Hillary maintains a career of someone much older with no signs of slowing down. She supported charities by donating portions of ticket sales from her sold-out Most Wanted tour and is the spokesperson of Kids With A Cause.

Crediting her success to hard work, support from family and friends, management and fans, Hillary said, "It sounds cheesy but I think my life's kinda like a fairy tale. I worked really hard, but I'm very, very lucky too. I'm just 16 and I've done so many amazing things. I travel the world, I have fans that support me, and I get to do what I love - make movies, sing and really be myself. I have a beautiful family, a great support system, and wonderful friends, and I go shopping every week! I'm so lucky, but it's not necessarily like a Cinderella Story."

Awards:

-  Young Artist Awards: Best Young Ensemble in a Feature Film, Cheaper By The Dozen, 2004.
-  Young Artist Award: Best Performance in a TV Movie or Pilot (Supporting Young Actress), The Soul Collector, 1999.