For decades, a quiet rift has existed between Frankie Muniz and Hilary Duff, a silence stretching back to 2003. The former child stars, once close friends navigating the whirlwind of Disney fame, haven’t exchanged a word in over twenty years. Now, Frankie is finally revealing the surprising source of the fallout – a fiercely ambitious stage mother.
The story resurfaced as Frankie prepares for a potential reboot of *Malcolm in the Middle*, prompting him to revisit this long-held discomfort. He and Hilary had a genuine connection, even sharing screen time on *Lizzie McGuire*. But behind the scenes, Hilary’s mother, Susan, presented a different dynamic.
Frankie described Susan as “the epitome of a stage mom,” intensely focused on her daughter’s career. While Hilary herself was always “cool,” her mother’s drive created an undercurrent of tension. This tension escalated during the casting of *Agent Cody Banks*.
Frankie recalls a seemingly casual conversation with Susan in the dressing rooms, where she inquired about potential roles for Hilary in his upcoming film. He vaguely mentioned the possibility of considering her, not realizing the speed with which she would act. The role of Natalie Connors was being considered for Kristin Kreuk at the time.
The next morning brought a shocking revelation. Susan, beaming, informed Frankie that Hilary had landed the part, and they would be spending the summer together filming in Vancouver. He was stunned, questioning how a decision could be made so swiftly, and without any direct communication with Hilary herself.
He discovered that, after his conversation with Susan, a contract had been signed that very night. The casting department, assuming his friendship with Hilary meant he was in agreement, hadn’t bothered to consult him. Frankie was deeply hurt, not because he disliked Hilary, but because he’d been bypassed entirely.
Whenever Susan visited the set, Frankie admitted to feeling “very sad.” The experience created a distance that ultimately proved insurmountable. He hasn’t spoken to Hilary Duff since the last day of filming *Agent Cody Banks*. The silence has endured for over two decades.
Despite the years, Frankie expresses a lingering regret over the lost connection. He’s open to reaching out, hoping to mend fences. It seems the sentiment might be mutual. Reports suggest Hilary, now a mother herself, is also interested in resolving past issues and moving forward without regret.
She reportedly wants to re-establish a connection, and is open to the possibility of rekindling their friendship. The door, it appears, is slightly ajar, offering a glimmer of hope for a reunion after years of unspoken history.
