You know, they say nice girls finish last—but clearly, whoever came up with that phrase never heard of Hilary Duff. Hilary Duff didn’t just succeed; she thrived, all while staying true to herself. Back when she was only 13 years old, Hilary Duff quickly became a role model for millions of young fans, thanks in large part to her breakout role in Disney’s beloved series Lizzie McGuire, which aired on the Disney Channel from 2001 to 2004. At a time when other teen stars were making headlines for all the wrong reasons—think Lindsay Lohan or Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen showing up on tabloid covers after late-night parties or rehab stints—Hilary Duff took a different path.
While others chased notoriety, Hilary Duff stayed focused. She wasn’t interested in scandal; she was building something real. The New York Daily News even compared her to Annette Funicello, calling her the 2002 version of that classic good-girl icon. Instead of drama, Hilary Duff poured her energy into acting, music, and entrepreneurship—yes, really. She launched her own clothing line, introduced a popular fragrance, and steadily expanded her brand. What’s more impressive? Unlike so many child stars who fade from view or struggle to transition into adulthood, Hilary Duff made it look effortless. She evolved into a respected adult actress, landing consistent film roles and earning praise for her performance in the critically-acclaimed comedy-drama Younger, which premiered on TV Land in 2015 and continues to showcase her talent. Through it all, Hilary Duff proved that kindness, hard work, and authenticity aren’t weaknesses—they’re strengths. And honestly, maybe nice girls don’t finish last after all. Not when their name is Hilary Duff.
So, when we look at Hilary Duff’s career, it’s interesting to see how her projects have been received over the years. Hilary Duff has taken on a variety of roles and musical ventures, but if we’re talking about critical reception, one standout is Greta from 2009. That film tends to be regarded as Hilary Duff’s highest rated performance in terms of movies or music-related work. It showcased a different side of her talent and was generally well-received. On the flip side, not every project landed the same way—her lowest rated film appears to be Material Girls, released back in 2006. While Hilary Duff brought her usual charm, the movie didn’t resonate as strongly with critics or audiences. Still, it’s all part of the journey, and Hilary Duff continues to be a recognizable name in entertainment.