I’m a Child of Frankie Muniz and Hilary Duff’s (Friendship) Divorce

Before there was Kris Jenner, there was...Susan Duff?

By Audra Heinrichs  |  October 29, 2025 | 12:16pm
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I’m a Child of Frankie Muniz and Hilary Duff’s (Friendship) Divorce

In news exclusively for Millennials and children raised by the Disney Channel: former child stars and companions, Frankie Muniz and Hilary Duff, haven’t spoken for over two decades. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Who gives a shit? If you can still stand your childhood friends, you’re not normal. Well, Muniz and Duff’s friendship fallout is far juicier than that of any “we just grew apart” story.

On a new episode of The Joe Vulpis Podcast, Muniz fondly remembered their closeness as the two were coming of age in the industry—Muniz, at the center of Malcolm in the Middle, and Duff, as the protagonist of Lizzie McGuire.

“Hilary Duff was probably one of my first friends when I moved to LA to film ‘Malcolm [in the Middle],’” Muniz said after the pair were introduced by mutual friends. “We became really, really good friends. We had a really great relationship for a long time.”

Unfortunately, the beginning of the end happened when Muniz was given a small bit part as himself on Lizzie McGuire. According to Muniz, Duff’s mother, “the epitome of a stage mom,” loomed large on the set.

“She was intense. Hilary was so cool, we had an awesome relationship, but her mom was super intense. And my mom was the opposite,” he explained of Susan Duff, adding that his mother would often “hide” on set because she “didn’t want to be in the way,” whereas Hilary’s mother’s ethos was…different.

Soon, she asked what Muniz’s summer plans were. At the time, he was confirmed to play Agent Cody Banks, the teenage version of Bond. Duff’s mother then asked if a girl had been chosen to star opposite him, to which he replied that executives expressed interest in Kristen Kreuk. Apparently, she put her Kris Jenner shoes on.

“The next morning, I show up to the set. I go into her dressing room to hang out. And her mom’s like, ‘Guess what? We’re going to be spending the summer together,’” Muniz said. “‘They signed the contract last night.’”

“The movie you knew nothing about yesterday?” Muniz mused.“Needless to say, I wasn’t thrilled about it. And not because I didn’t want it to be Hilary.”

Muniz then added, “I don’t know how much I want to say. I’m trying to think about it because I’ve already said way too much.” According to him, while he and Duff had an “amazing” time shooting the movie, it was “sad” whenever her mother would join them on set. Yikes.

“I’ve not said one word to her since then. So that’s the truth of that,” Muniz said. “I regret not just continuing to be friends with her because we had a great friendship for such a long time, and her mom…it pissed me off.”

Muniz added that he would “love to catch up” with Duff and that he’s  “sure she doesn’t know any of that happened.” Welp, she certainly does now!

I guess all those LaLaine rumors were true…

  • Sources say Justin Trudeau thinks Katy Perry is “the perfect woman.” There really is someone for everyone. [Page Six]
  • Luigi Mangione is known as “the ambassador” at the Metropolitan Detention Center. He just keeps getting sexier, sorry!!! [People]
  • Jacob Elordi and Olivia Jade Giannulli are over. Again. [Daily Mail]
  • Dr. Phil‘s failed television network faces liquidation. Good! [Variety]
  • John Mayer and Andy Cohen should just date already. [Us Weekly]
  • Contrary to her latest album, which details her ex-husband David Harbour‘s infidelity, Lily Allen doesn’t “need” revenge. [The Hollywood Reporter]

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