Hilary Duff Stands Up For Mom Amid 'Stage Mom' Drama

Hilary Duff Opens Up About Childhood in the Spotlight

Hilary Duff is getting candid about her early days in Hollywood, revealing the ups and downs of being a child actor managed by her mother, Susan. On a recent episode of Mythical Kitchen, the former Lizzie McGuire star took a trip down memory lane, sharing how she was "fired" from a TV show at just 11 years old and replaced by twins who could work longer hours. "Being a child actor really preps you way too soon for rejection," she reflected.

The 'Stage Mom' Accusation

While Hilary fondly remembers her mother's encouragement to pursue her dreams, she was quick to clarify to host Josh Scherer, "I was never pushed into acting." Her mom simply knew that both she and her sister Haylie loved to perform. But the topic of stage moms resurfaced after fellow child star Frankie Muniz labeled Susan as "super intense." "Hilary was so cool," Muniz shared in an October 2025 interview, "but her mom was super intense."

“Hilary was so cool, we had an awesome relationship,” Muniz revealed, “but her mom was super intense.”

The Agent Cody Banks Connection

Muniz recounted a memorable exchange with Susan Duff during his time on Lizzie McGuire. He remembered being asked about his upcoming projects and ended up co-starring with Hilary in Agent Cody Banks soon after. "I looked at her and I went, ‘No she's not!’” Muniz recalled. Susan had already secured the role for Hilary, much to Muniz's surprise.

Despite the backstage drama, Hilary Duff holds no grudges. On Mythical Kitchen, she expressed gratitude for her mother's presence during her formative years. "It was really nice that I had my mom in the corner... for better or for worse," she admitted, acknowledging the challenges of navigating the industry as a family.

Reflecting on a Pioneering Role

Hilary also touched on her role in paving the way for future Disney stars like Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and Miley Cyrus. As she looks back, she appreciates having her mom by her side, despite the occasional missteps. "It’s hard to be like a family up against like a machine," she confessed.

Catch more of Hilary Duff's insights on Mythical Kitchen, and stay tuned for all your entertainment news and updates.