Hilary Duff, the star who became synonymous with early 2000s pop culture through her role in the Disney Channel series *Lizzie McGuire*, shared her reflections on fame and the complexities of child stardom during the Time100 Summit on 22nd April 2026. Speaking to Dan Macsai, a senior editor at *Time*, Duff, now 38 years old, expressed mixed feelings about her journey in the entertainment industry.
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As Duff spoke, it was evident that watching recent documentaries such as *Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV* and *Framing Britney Spears* has evoked a poignant sense of nostalgia. “It’s such a long time ago, but it’s an out-of-body experience,” she remarked, adding that she often feels “quite sad” when revisiting the darker aspects of child stardom explored in these productions. These documentaries have shed light on the troubling facets of the entertainment industry, particularly how young actors can face intense scrutiny and pressure.
*Quiet on Set*, which premiered in 2024, focuses on the challenging working conditions behind favourite children’s shows and includes allegations against well-known producer Dan Schneider. In contrast, *Framing Britney Spears* revisits the relentless media scrutiny experienced by celebrities like Spears. Duff’s comments reveal an understanding of the darker realities that have affected many of her contemporaries in the industry.
Despite recognising these struggles, Duff’s tone remained grateful for her unique experiences. “I feel very grateful that I wasn’t put in too many positions that left battle wounds on me,” she stated, reflecting on the resilience she developed through her early career. Starting work at just nine years old, Duff acknowledged the sacrifices she made for her career while also cherishing the life lessons learned along the way.
“My upbringing was very different, with many missed experiences, but also a lot of amazing ones,” she reflected. This duality in her childhood experiences has shaped her perspective on fame and success. As she described herself, “I’m a scrubby kid from Texas,” expressing wonder at having reached her current stature in the entertainment industry.
Although Duff credited some of her success to chance, she emphasised that her journey has involved hard work from a young age. Growing up immersed in professional environments taught her vital skills in navigating adult expectations. She explained that she had to “hold my own in a room full of adults” and learn to maintain professionalism under pressure. “Through exhaustion or sickness or whatever, just keep grinding,” she advised, highlighting the discipline that her early career cultivated.
Her experiences as a child star have undoubtedly influenced the person she has become today. “It’s taught me a lot and it’s completely formed who I am, and I’m proud of that person,” she concluded. This sentiment underlines a common narrative among child stars who strive to reconcile their youthful challenges with their current successes.
As Duff continues to navigate her multi-faceted career in entertainment, her reflections provide insight into the often overlooked complexities of growing up in the limelight. Her honesty serves as a reminder that while fame can offer numerous opportunities, it also comes with its unique set of challenges that can impact an individual’s life trajectory.
In a broader context, Duff’s observations align with growing discussions in society about the responsibilities of the entertainment industry towards young talent. The conversations prompted by these recent documentaries are encouraging a re-evaluation of practices that hold accountability for the wellbeing of child actors.
Duff’s journey from a Disney Channel star to a resilient adult in the industry exemplifies the potential for growth amidst adversity. As she faces the future, her experiences may inspire a new generation of entertainers to seek balance and prioritise their mental health, all while pursuing their artistic ambitions.