Hilary Duff rose to fame playing the title character in Lizzie McGuire, the beloved Disney Channel comedy that premiered on January 12, 2001. The series ran for 65 episodes and became a cultural phenomenon, helping to launch Duff’s career as a teen idol and fashion icon of the early 2000s.
Known for her colorful Y2K outfits, chunky accessories, and playful footwear choices, Lizzie McGuire left a lasting impact on teen fashion. Hilary Duff quickly became a style influencer in her own right.
The show concluded on February 14, 2004, and its success led to The Lizzie McGuire Movie, released in theaters on May 2, 2003. As of 2025, Duff has built a $25 million fortune through acting, music, and lifestyle ventures, while continuing to make headlines with her chic, shoe-forward looks.
Hilary Duff beams with youthful energy in the iconic opening credits of Lizzie McGuire, where she juggles a red ball in her signature early 2000s style (Credit: Disney Channel)
💼 Hilary Duff’s Lizzie McGuire Payday: From Disney Darling to Millionaire
Starring in one of the most popular Disney Channel shows of the early 2000s, according to EW, she earned $15,000 per episode and $1 million for the movie.
After the success of the original “Lizzie McGuire” series and its subsequent movie, plans were made to expand the franchise further, including a second movie and a prime-time comedy series on ABC that would follow Lizzie McGuire during her high school years.
However, these plans were halted in 2003 due to failed negotiations between Hilary Duff, who played Lizzie, and Disney. The breakdown in negotiations reportedly centered around financial and contractual disagreements, leading to the cancellation of the proposed projects and ending the expansion of the franchise at that time.
Lalaine as Miranda, Hilary Duff as Lizzie, and Adam Lamberg as Gordo, the beloved trio from “Lizzie McGuire,” enjoying a lighthearted bubble-blowing moment (Credit: Disney Channel)
🔄 The Lizzie McGuire Reboot That Never Happened—and Why It Matters
In August 2019, a sequel series was announced to be entering production for Disney+. The reboot was canceled in 2020 due to creative disagreements between Duff and Disney+ executives.
Hilary Duff discussed the reasons behind the cancellation of the Lizzie McGuire reboot on SiriusXM’s “The Jess Cagle Show.” Duff highlighted that her vision of the character as an adult did not align with Disney’s, which wanted to maintain a particular image of Lizzie suitable for Disney+.
Hilary Duff, as Lizzie McGuire, rocks early 2000s teen style in a pink lace-trimmed blouse, white flared pants, and sparkly platform sandals while posing with her on-screen family (Credit: Disney Channel)
“I think they’re really trying to figure out what kind of content they want living on Disney+,” said Duff. “That doesn’t totally align with where I see Lizzie right now. I’m like very protective of her, and they’re very protective of her.”
“The way that she could connect with what was going on in people that were watching the show, it was like, they’re watching themselves. And that was where they related,” the “How I Met Your Father” actress explained.
“It only makes sense to me to shoot a show where she’s acting like a 30-year-old in a modern world.”
Hilary Duff channels peak Y2K style as Lizzie McGuire in a fitted “Camp Outdoors” baby tee, chunky choker, hoop earrings, and a beaded strap purse for a quintessential early-2000s school hallway moment (Credit: Disney Channel)
In the “Lizzie McGuire” movie, Lizzie McGuire was 15 years old. The film features her graduation from junior high and a subsequent school trip to Rome, which typically marks the transition between middle school and high school in the U.S. Filmed in the fall of 2002, it was released on May 2, 2003, when she was 15.
The original “Lizzie McGuire” TV series began airing on the Disney Channel in January 2001. At the start of the series, Lizzie is depicted as a 13-year-old navigating the complexities of early teenage years. Duff, born September 28, 1987, celebrated her 14th birthday in 2001.
Hilary Duff and Ashlie Brillault share a candid moment off-screen, showing real-life friendship despite their on-screen rivalry as Lizzie McGuire and Kate Sanders (Credit: Disney Channel)
💸 Why Lizzie McGuire Was Canceled: The Deal That Fell Apart
The series was canceled after Disney Channel failed to reach an agreement with Hilary Duff regarding her pay per episode. Her family sought $100,000 per episode, but the studio only offered to increase her per-episode salary from $15,000 to $35,000.
Following the success of The Lizzie McGuire Movie, which grossed a worldwide total of $55.5 million, Hilary Duff was offered $4 million for a sequel plus a percentage of the profits. Unfortunately, they were not able to reach a financial agreement.
Hilary Duff stuns in a royal purple gown and matching floral jewelry set as Lizzie McGuire embraces her pop star alter ego in the iconic finale of The Lizzie McGuire Movie
”We very much wanted to continue the Lizzie franchise,” Disney Studios production chief Nina Jacobson told The Los Angeles Times.
“But every deal has its tipping point, the point at which it no longer makes sense. Unfortunately, that’s the point we reached in the Lizzie negotiations, and we ultimately had to say goodbye, she added.”
Disney’s strong-armed tactics and failure to pay our client a fee commensurate with offers received from other studios and networks caused the breakdown of negotiations with the Duffs. While the Lizzie McGuire franchise may be over for Disney, Hilary Duff’s career is flourishing,” a lawyer representing Hilary Duff responded.
Following the height of her Disney Channel fame and the eventual cancellation of the Lizzie McGuire reboot, Hilary Duff shifted her focus to new acting projects, music, and motherhood. Balancing her career with family life, she has often been spotted embracing casual-chic street style, proving her fashion sense extends far beyond the red carpet.
👢 Hilary Duff’s Off-Duty Style: Plaid Shirtdress & Thigh-High Boots
In December 2015, Hilary Duff enjoyed a Sunday out with her son Luca in Studio City.
Hilary Duff covers her hair with a trendy hat while out in Studio City with her son Luca on December 6, 2015 (Credit: WENN)
The then-28-year-old actress embraced the autumn weather by wearing a green-and-navy plaid shirtdress from Equipment that featured sheer long sleeves.
Hilary Duff wears an Equipment shirtdress while out with her son Luca (Credit: WENN)
Hilary accessorized with a large fedora hat, oversized sunglasses, a long necklace, and a black fringed bag by Saint Laurent.
Hilary Duff channels effortless autumn style in a green plaid shirtdress, black suede over-the-knee boots, and a wide-brimmed hat while out in Studio City
She pulled her blonde locks back into a low, messy ponytail, completing her look with neutral makeup.
Hilary Duff steps out in chic black over-the-knee suede boots, adding height and edge to her plaid shirtdress ensemble
Thigh-high boots tend to flatter taller women with long legs, but the 5 feet 1 inch (154.9 cm) actress used the black suede over-the-knee boots to her advantage, elongating her frame and adding extra height with a subtle, leg-lengthening effect.
Despite her petite 5-foot-1 frame, Hilary Duff made these flat over-the-knee boots work by pairing them with a short plaid shirtdress, creating the illusion of longer legs and balancing the boot’s bold silhouette with a hint of skin
Hilary’s boots resemble Saint Laurent “Babies” boots, which feature tapered toes, side zip closures, and 1.5-inch heels.
Saint Laurent “Babies” Knee Boots, $1,495
👠 Hilary Duff’s Most Iconic Heels: From Y2K Nostalgia to Modern Glam
Hilary Duff consistently impresses with her versatile shoe choices, seamlessly transitioning from casual outings to glamorous events. Here are some of her most notable heel moments:
Hilary Duff Elevates Casual Denim with Schutz Pumps
- Event: Lunch Date in Los Angeles
- Outfit: Hilary paired a short-sleeved Topshop shirt with AMO “Babe” denim jeans in Keepsake.
- Footwear: She completed the look with moss green Schutz “Gilberta” pumps, adding a sophisticated touch to her casual ensemble.
- Read more: Hilary Duff’s chic street style in Schutz pumps
Hilary Duff Celebrates Birthday in Bold Red Louboutins
- Event: 25th Birthday Celebration in Beverly Hills
- Outfit: A printed blouse paired with dark cropped skinny jeans.
- Footwear: Bright red Christian Louboutin “Bianca” pumps added a vibrant pop of color to her birthday ensemble.
- See more: Hilary Duff’s birthday look featuring red Louboutins
Hilary Duff’s Glamorous Look with Gucci ‘Angel’ Pumps
- Event: Promotion of “Younger” at AOL BUILD Series
- Outfit: A blush-colored, one-sleeved mini dress highlighting her toned physique.
- Footwear: Beige Gucci “Angel” platform pumps added elegance and height to her promotional look.
- Discover more: Hilary Duff’s promotional style in Gucci heels
Hilary Duff’s Edgy Ensemble with Charlotte Olympia Pumps
- Event: Book Signing for “Elixir” in Paris
- Outfit: A leather jacket over a casual top and jeans, accessorized with a patterned scarf.
- Footwear: Pink canvas Charlotte Olympia “Dolly” pumps added a playful yet sophisticated touch to her look.
- Explore her style: Hilary Duff’s Parisian chic with Charlotte Olympia heels
These moments highlight Hilary Duff’s ability to effortlessly incorporate stylish heels into various outfits, showcasing her fashion versatility and keen eye for footwear.