At a Glance
- Hilary Duff, 38, shares her daughter Mae’s reaction to a key scene in A Cinderella Story.
- Mae, 4, questions why a character doesn’t recognize a familiar face in a mask.
- Duff’s family includes son Luca, and daughters Banks, Mae and Townes.
- Why it matters: Fans of the film see a new generation’s take on a beloved scene.
Hilary Duff, 38, recently sat down with Vanity Fair to revisit scenes from her iconic film A Cinderella Story. During the interview, she revealed how her 4-year-old daughter Mae reacted to a memorable moment where the protagonist, Sam, shares a secretive glance with her love interest, played by Chad Michael Murray.
Family Overview
Hilary’s personal life has seen several milestones:
- Son: Luca Cruz, born 2012, now 13 and heading into 8th grade.
- Daughters:
- Banks Violet, born October 2018.
- Mae James, born March 2021.
- Townes, born May 2024.
- Marriage: She married Matthew Koma in 2019.
The family’s growth is often highlighted on social media, where Duff shares candid moments of her children’s everyday lives.
Rewatching A Cinderella Story
During the Vanity Fair sit-down, Duff described the scene that sparked Mae’s curiosity:
“My 4-year-old has watched this movie and also picked up on like, how could he not know it’s you in that mask? And I was like, ‘It’s the age-old question, honey,’ ” she said. “And she’s like, ‘But it’s you. You are right there. I don’t understand. How does he not know?’ I’m like, ‘I know.'”
The question echoes a classic plot point where a character’s identity is concealed, leaving viewers to wonder why another character fails to recognize them. Mae’s genuine confusion highlighted the timelessness of the storyline.
Social Media Highlights
In August, Duff posted a photo of Luca, 13, preparing for his first day of 8th grade. The image shows him in a white polo and sweatpants, standing outside with a straight face. She added a playful caption: “8th graders won’t hold signs.”
Another Instagram Stories post featured Mae enjoying an ice-cream sundae. With a bright smile, she posed beside the treat. Duff captioned the photo, “Summer is still in session for this one.”

These snippets showcase the family’s everyday moments, from school milestones to simple pleasures.
Valentine’s Day Fun
Last February, Duff celebrated Valentine’s Day by sharing a series of Instagram Stories that spanned her career. She posted photos of Banks Violet and Mae dressed in white, pink, and red. The final image captured Mae’s balloon drifting away, prompting a heartfelt caption:
“I can’t help it. I know I’m evil, but it makes me chuckle,” she wrote.
She followed up with additional shots zooming in on Mae’s face, then posted a selfie with the text, “Do I keep zooming ??” above it. The post blended humor with nostalgia, highlighting Duff’s playful side.
Key Takeaways
- Family Milestones: Duff’s children have grown from newborns to teens, with notable birthdays in 2018, 2021, and 2024.
- Cultural Impact: Mae’s question about a masked character demonstrates how classic films continue to resonate with younger audiences.
- Social Media Presence: The actress uses Instagram to share both family moments and personal reflections, keeping fans engaged.
- Humor and Relatability: Duff’s light-hearted posts, especially during Valentine’s Day, showcase her ability to connect with followers through everyday humor.
Hilary Duff’s recent interview and social media activity underscore her role as both a mother and a cultural icon, bridging generations through shared media experiences.

