Hilary Duff to Make Big Splash on NBC
Hilary Duff, once Disney's flagship actress, struggled with many of the dualities and pressures Disney star Miley Cyrus is currently facing
‘Raise Your Voice’ actress gets own series and several guest shots
By Matthew B. Zeidman
NEW YORK (Hollywood Today) 11/15/08 – Could former Disney poster child Hilary Duff be destined to become Tina Fey’s quirky new assistant on “30 Rock,” Steve Carell’s latest infatuation on “The Office” or Hayden Panettiere’s superpowered nemesis on “Heroes?” It’s possible, as the “Raise Your Voice” actress just signed a lucrative talent and development deal with NBC, which includes mandated guest shots on existing shows, as well as a series of her very own.
Though NBC hasn’t released any details regarding the programs chosen, the number of scheduled appearances or the nature of the roles, the company confirmed Friday the guest shots would take place over the next year.
As for the show Duff will be headlining, the only thing NBC is revealing thus far is that it is being designed specifically as a vehicle for the 21-year-old. Whether it will take the form of a comedy, drama, reality series or combination thereof is still under wraps. (Older sister Haylie recently hosted a reality show for MTV.)
Duff, best known today for her work in film and music, is no stranger to the small screen, having starred in the Disney Channel ‘tween favorite “Lizzie McGuire” from 2001 to 2004. She also made guest appearances on ABC’s “George Lopez,” CBS’ “Chicago Hope” and “Joan of Arcadia” and NBC’s “American Dreams” in the first half of the decade.