Hilary Duff Celebrates Her 26th Birthday with 20-Point Advice to Any 20-Something

By Jobs & Hire Staff Reporter

Oct 02, 2013 11:59 AM EDT

Do you want to feel old? Well, Lizzie McGuire has just turned 26 last September 28. The American sitcom premiered in 2001 when Hilary Duff was just around 13 years old. Her movie "A Cinderella Story" opposite Chad Michael Murray, will be celebrating its 10^th anniversary next year. How's that for the saying "how time flies".

It's a good thing that Hilary Duff is aging with grace compared to other teen idols of the same generation (Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Amanda Bynes to name a few). She is perhaps the most functional actress among the Disney teen princesses.

She stepped out of the limelight following series of musical and acting successes. Hilary Duff penned one of New York's Bestseller young adult series. The first installment, Elixir received rave reviews and was widely accepted. It was followed by Devoted in 2011 and the final book, True in April of 2013. She has spent a lot of her time touring countries to promote her books.

Hilary Duff is also busy with her philanthropic activities. She donated $250,000 to victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2004. The actress is also actively supporting Kids with a Cause and served on Audrey Hepburn Child Benefit Fund Advisory Board. Soon after giving birth, Duff resumed to charity work and participated in Johnson's Baby Cares campaign.

On her birthday, she generously shared 20 pieces of advice to people in their 20's.

"Kids can be cruel. Haters gonna hate."
"Be vocal about your needs. Reading minds is too difficult."
Take care of yourself. Maintain your roots. Just do it.
"Never put your life on hold for a guy. Don't wait around -- do you."
"We all go through cringeworthy hair phases. Life goes on."
"There is no such thing astoo short, even as a mom."
"Don't let nice guys finish last. The good ones are right under your nose."
"Going to military school is not a punishment."
"Loyalty and friendship mean everything."
"Ghosts make really awesome pals too."
"Love yourself and your imperfections."
"The bond between sisters is more than blood."
"Sometimes all you need is a hug to make things better."
"Be true to yourself and follow your heart."
"Serenades may seem sweet, but in reality musicians don't always make the best boyfriends."
"Don't be afraid to chase your dreams. Take a chance."
"Know your music genres so as not to embarrass yourself."
"Have you ever wondered what life is about? You could search the world and never figure it out. You don't have to sail the oceans -- no, no, no. Happiness is no mystery ..."

In 2010, she quietly married NHL center Mike Comrie. They welcomed their son Luca in 2012. Hilary is rarely seen apart from her equally lovable son. They regularly attend a mother and baby fitness class in Los Angeles.

According to E! News, the Two and A Half Men actress celebrated her birthday with family and friends at the Spare Room in Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles.