It feels like just yesterday Hilary Duff was navigating the awkward world of middle school as Lizzie McGuire, yet the star has quietly become one of Hollywood's most enduring and successful figures. On this date, December 9, 2025, fans are often stunned to learn the actress, singer, author, and entrepreneur has reached a significant milestone that puts her career longevity into sharp focus: she is now 38 years old.
The conversation around Hilary Duff's age is less about a number and more about the sheer volume of her career, spanning over three decades from a childhood star to a mature artist with a new album announced for 2026. Her ability to transition seamlessly across music, television, and motherhood at this stage of her life is a testament to her enduring appeal and business acumen, proving that the 'teen idol' label was just the beginning of her story.
Hilary Duff: A Complete Biography and Profile
Hilary Erhard Duff was born in Houston, Texas, and quickly became a cultural touchstone for a generation. Her career trajectory is a masterclass in reinventing a public persona while maintaining genuine connection with her original fanbase. Below is a detailed look at the key facts of her life and career.
- Full Name: Hilary Erhard Duff
- Date of Birth: September 28, 1987
- Current Age (as of December 9, 2025): 38 years old
- Place of Birth: Houston, Texas, U.S.
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Actress, Singer, Author, Businesswoman
- Spouse: Matthew Koma (m. 2019)
- Ex-Spouse: Mike Comrie (m. 2010; div. 2016)
- Children: Four (Luca Cruz, Banks Violet, Mae James, and Townes)
- Breakthrough Role: Lizzie McGuire (2001–2004)
- Notable Film Roles: A Cinderella Story, The Lizzie McGuire Movie, Cheaper by the Dozen
- Current Major TV Role: Sophie in How I Met Your Father
- Recent Music News (2025/2026): Announcing her sixth studio album, Luck…Or Something, and the single "Mature."
1. The Unbelievable Career Longevity: From Lizzie McGuire to 38
The most shocking aspect of Hilary Duff's age is the sheer length of her career, which began when she was just a child. She was only 13 years old when Lizzie McGuire premiered on the Disney Channel in 2001, instantly cementing her status as a global teen idol.
At 38, she has achieved a career longevity that few of her peers can match. The transition from a Disney star to a respected adult actress is notoriously difficult, yet Duff navigated it with grace, moving into successful film roles like A Cinderella Story and Raise Your Voice, which further cemented her box office appeal.
Her current role as Sophie in the Hulu series How I Met Your Father showcases her mature comedic timing and acting depth, introducing her to a new generation of viewers while keeping her original fans engaged. This sustained presence in major acting roles for over two decades highlights her strong work ethic and versatility.
The Teen Idol's Business Empire
Beyond acting, Duff's age has allowed her to build a significant business portfolio. In her late teens, she launched her own successful fashion line, Stuff by Hilary Duff, a venture that demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit early on. She also became a published author, co-writing a series of young adult novels, including Elixir, further extending her topical authority beyond the screen and recording studio.
2. The 'Mature' Music Comeback: A New Album at 38
One of the freshest and most exciting pieces of news for fans in late 2025 is Hilary Duff's return to the music scene. At 38, she announced her highly anticipated sixth studio album, Luck…Or Something, set for release on February 20, 2026, via Atlantic Records.
This new project is a massive deal, as it marks her first studio album in over a decade, following 2015's Breathe In. Breathe Out. The lead single, aptly titled "Mature," was released in late 2025, and its title seems to directly address the star's evolution and her reflections on growing up in the spotlight.
The themes of the new music are expected to delve into her experiences as a mother, wife, and woman navigating her late thirties, offering a stark contrast to the bubblegum pop of her early hits like "So Yesterday" and "Come Clean." This musical comeback at 38 is a powerful statement about her artistic independence and her desire to connect with fans who have grown up alongside her.
3. A Mother of Four: Her Family Life at 38
Perhaps the biggest shift in the public perception of Hilary Duff, directly tied to her age, is her role as a mother. At 38, she is a dedicated mom to four children, showcasing a full and vibrant personal life that many of her contemporaries have only recently begun.
Her eldest son, Luca Cruz, whom she shares with ex-husband Mike Comrie, recently celebrated his 13th birthday, officially making Duff the mother of a teenager. With her current husband, songwriter and producer Matthew Koma, she has three daughters: Banks Violet, who turned 7 in October 2025, Mae James, and the newest addition, Townes.
Her candidness about the challenges and joys of raising a large family while balancing a demanding career is a key part of her appeal. This openness about motherhood and marriage to Koma, whom she married in 2019, provides a grounding element to her celebrity, making her relatable to millions of women in her age demographic.
4. The 'No Filter' Approach to Aging and Body Image
As she entered her late 30s, Duff has become increasingly vocal and transparent about her journey with body image and aging in Hollywood. In a move that resonated widely, she posed nude for the cover of Women's Health magazine's Body Issue, an act she described as a celebration of her body after having four children.
This "no filter" approach, where she discusses everything from her struggles with self-acceptance to the realities of post-baby bodies, is a powerful counter-narrative to the often-unattainable standards of celebrity. Her openness about her physical and mental health journey is a direct result of her maturity and age, transforming her from a teen fantasy into a relatable role model for women in their late 30s and beyond.
5. The Enduring Legacy: Why Hilary Duff’s Age Matters
Ultimately, the conversation about Hilary Duff's age is a discussion about legacy. She is one of the few stars who successfully transitioned from being the face of the Disney Channel to a multi-hyphenate artist who continues to produce relevant, high-quality work. Her career is a blueprint for longevity in the volatile entertainment industry.
Her influence can be seen in the careers of many younger stars who followed her path from TV to music. At 38, Hilary Duff isn't just an actress or a singer; she is a cultural icon who represents the successful transition from adolescence to adulthood in the public eye. Her upcoming album and continued success in television prove that her best work is likely still ahead of her, solidifying her status not just as a former teen idol, but as a genuine entertainment powerhouse.