In a recent appearance on *The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon*, actress and singer Hilary Duff revealed which of her on-screen love interests holds a special place in her heart. During the episode aired on 10th March, Duff was presented with three choices: Chad Michael Murray, her co-star from *A Cinderella Story*; Penn Badgley from *Gossip Girl*; and Yani Gellman from *The Lizzie McGuire Movie*. Without hesitation, Duff expressed her fondness for Murray, citing a nostalgic connection to their film.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/hilary-duff-chad-michael-murray-031126-da20886ea51f4944908f3164ad128283.jpg)
Duff, now 38, shared her reasoning with Fallon, explaining how her daughter has taken a liking to the classic movie. “I’m just going to stick to it, because I just watched it with my daughter, and it’s embarrassing that she always wants to watch it,” Duff admitted. Her enthusiasm for the film was clear as she declared, “I’m going to say Chad Michael Murray.”
The actress elaborated further on why the film resonates with her, recalling a memorable scene that captures the essence of romance. “It was the walk up the bleachers,” she mentioned, referring to a pivotal moment in the film that has remained with fans. “And the raindrop, I was like, ‘Wow, this is romantic!’”
Originally released in 2004, *A Cinderella Story* features Duff as Sam, a high-school student who finds a chance at love and self-discovery when she meets her Prince Charming, played by Murray. The film has since become a beloved teen classic, still captivating audiences today.
In a separate interview with *Vanity Fair* earlier this year, Duff shared insights into her daughter’s views on the film’s plot twist. Her four-year-old daughter, Mae, questioned how Murray’s character could fail to recognise Sam behind her masked disguise. “My 4-year-old has watched this movie and also picked up on like, how could he not know it’s you in that mask? And I was like, ‘It’s the age-old question, honey,'” Duff recounted with a sense of amusement.
The continuing popularity of *A Cinderella Story* is evidenced not only by Duff’s fond memories but also by Murray’s own reflections. He has revisited his role in the film when he donned his character’s costume for a prom-themed event in 2017, much to the delight of fans. Posting a video on Instagram, Murray shared a playful moment that harkened back to his days in the romantic comedy, showcasing the lasting impact the film has had on both actors.
The conversation on Fallon’s show emphasizes the deep connections actors often develop with their roles and the impact of those roles on their personal lives. Duff’s candid choice and her daughter’s playful questions highlight the generational affection for a film that once shaped the teenage experiences of many.
By reminiscing about her on-screen romance with Murray, Duff offers her audience a glimpse into the legacy of *A Cinderella Story*, which continues to spark interest years after its release. As new viewers discover the movie and familiar faces revisit it, Duff’s comments serve as a reminder of the timelessness of classic narratives, where love conquers all, even amidst misunderstandings.
As both Duff and Murray reflect on their experiences, one cannot help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the innocence and charm that characterised early 2000s romantic comedies. With Duff’s heartfelt explanation, it’s clear that some stories, much like true love, endure over time.