Hilary Duff Reveals How Getting Fired Led to Her Disney Role

Hilary Duff just shared a surprising career secret. She was fired from a TV job at age 11. This setback directly led to her audition for the hit show Lizzie McGuire.

The firing was due to child labor laws. Producers replaced her with twins to work longer hours. According to Duff, the experience was “absolutely devastating” at the time.

The Unexpected Path to Stardom

Duff discussed this early career blow with Variety. She had decided to return to Texas to be a “normal kid.” Then her manager called about a new Disney project.

That project was Lizzie McGuire. The role made her a household name. It launched her successful career in acting and music.

This twist of fate changed everything. Without the firing, she may never have auditioned. Her career path would have been completely different.

A Musical Comeback After a Long Hiatus

Duff is now returning to music. Her new album, Luck … or Something, arrives in 2026. It is her first album since 2015.

She took a long break to focus on acting. She starred in shows like Younger and How I Met Your Father. She says she never wanted to rush her musical return.

The lead single, “Mature,” is out now. It was co-produced by her husband, Matthew Koma. The song reflects on a past romance with an older man.

This revelation shows how a single setback can redirect a career. Hilary Duff’s early firing paved the way for her iconic Disney role. Her story is a testament to resilience in the entertainment industry.

Thought you’d like to know

What show was Hilary Duff fired from?

Duff has not publicly named the specific show. She was 11 years old when she was replaced by twins. The change was made to bypass child labor law restrictions.

When is Hilary Duff’s new album coming out?

Her album Luck … or Something is scheduled for release on February 20, 2026. This marks her first full album in over a decade. Her last album was 2015’s Breathe In. Breathe Out.

What is Hilary Duff’s new song “Mature” about?

The song is about a “very brief romance” she had with an older guy. Duff describes it as a conversation with her past self. She looks back on that time with her current maturity.

Who produced Hilary Duff’s new music?

Her husband, Matthew Koma, co-produced the lead single “Mature.” Duff is deeply involved in the creative process for her new album. The project represents a significant personal and professional return to music.

Why did Hilary Duff take a break from music?

She focused on her acting career for several years. She starred in successful television series during this time. She was waiting for the right moment to return to music.