Actor Frankie Muniz has revealed new details about his long-lost friendship with Hilary Duff, claiming her mother played a major role in ending their bond. Speaking on The Joe Vulpis Podcast in a September episode, Muniz discussed how tensions on the Lizzie McGuire set and behind-the-scenes decisions on Agent Cody Banks ultimately strained their relationship. The former child star, now 39, reflected on the events during a candid conversation that has since resurfaced online, sparking renewed fan discussion about early-2000s Hollywood dynamics.
What Happened — The Friendship Fallout
Who: Frankie Muniz and Hilary Duff
What: End of friendship allegedly due to conflict involving Duff’s mother
When: Around 2002–2003, during filming of Lizzie McGuire and Agent Cody Banks
Where: Los Angeles, California
Why: Tension between Muniz and Duff’s mother, Susan Duff, over casting decisions
Muniz recounted that while he and Duff were “really, really good friends” when they first met in Los Angeles, things changed after an encounter with her mother on the Lizzie McGuire set. According to Muniz, Susan Duff, who was also Hilary’s manager, became involved in discussions about his upcoming project — which led to an unexpected twist.
After Muniz casually mentioned his upcoming role in Agent Cody Banks, Duff’s mother allegedly made calls that resulted in Hilary being cast opposite him. “Needless to say, I wasn’t thrilled about it,” Muniz recalled, explaining that he had been told he would have input on choosing his co-star.
Frankie Muniz’s Remarks and Reflections
In the podcast interview, Muniz described Susan Duff as “the epitome of a stage mom,” noting her intensity on set compared to his own mother’s laid-back approach.
“Hilary was so cool, we had an awesome relationship, but her mom was super intense,” he said.
“It was very sad when her mom would come on set. I’ve never talked to Hilary since the last day of filming.”
Muniz added that he regretted allowing the situation to affect their friendship, calling it “a great friendship for such a long time” that ended too soon.
Impact and Fan Reactions
The revelation has reignited nostalgia among fans of both actors, who starred together in the 2003 hit Agent Cody Banks. On social media, fans expressed surprise at learning the behind-the-scenes tension from one of the early 2000s’ most iconic teen film pairings.
Industry analysts noted that both Muniz and Duff successfully transitioned beyond their child-star years, though their professional paths never crossed again.
What’s Next for Frankie Muniz
Muniz has shifted focus to new ventures, including racing and independent film projects, while Duff continues to act and produce, most recently starring in Hulu’s How I Met Your Father. As for reconciliation, Muniz didn’t rule it out completely but admitted the distance has lasted decades.
“I regret not just continuing to be friends with her,” he said, closing his remarks on a reflective note.
Source List
USA Today (Original report by Anna Kaufman)
The Joe Vulpis Podcast interview (September 2, 2025)
Yahoo Entertainment archives
