Hilary Duff’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Is a Stunning Transformation

Avatar photoHrvoje Milakovic
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Few stars have transformed themselves as many times as Hilary Duff, and her appearance in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue marks a significant new chapter. Photos from her shoot are making waves online this week, reigniting discussions about the incredible journey the former Disney star has taken.

Duff first gained fame as the title character on ‘Lizzie McGuire,’ followed by iconic roles in early-2000s hits like ‘Agent Cody Banks,’ ‘A Cinderella Story,’ ‘The Lizzie McGuire Movie,’ and ‘Cadet Kelly.’ More recently, she starred in ‘Younger,’ which ran for seven seasons, and ‘How I Met Your Father.’ Additionally, she launched a successful music career, with her 2003 debut album ‘Metamorphosis’ achieving 4x Platinum certification.

Her comeback has gained momentum in 2026. Duff signed with Atlantic Records and released her first new album in over a decade, ‘luck… or something,’ in February, followed by the announcement of her first tour in more than 18 years. The tour spans seven countries and kicked off on May 22 in Las Vegas.

Now, Duff is featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2026 issue, revealed on May 11 during TODAY, which showcases 34 women. She is one of four cover stars, alongside Tiffany Haddish, Alix Earle, and Nicole Williams English. The stunning photos circulating online are from her shoot with photographer Kat Irlin in South Caicos.

This marks Duff’s debut in the annual issue, and she expressed surprise when first approached. SI reports that she took time to reflect on her feelings and asked many questions before agreeing. On set, she quipped to Sports Illustrated that “Early 2000s Hilary would be like, ‘You are wild and so risqué.’”

She shared with the magazine that the shoot felt like a personal challenge as a mother of four, admitting she doesn’t typically lounge in bikinis and felt a bit apprehensive. Duff sent her husband, musician Matthew Koma, plenty of sneaky videos from the location. She also predicted her daughters would hype up her photos while joking that she would act like it never happened around her son.

The shoot took place on the picturesque beaches and resort of South Caicos, an island described by Sports Illustrated as a serene, dreamy tropical setting. Duff wore swimsuits from brands like OYE Swimwear on the cover, along with Vitamin A, Riot Swim, MOEVA, and Haight. The gallery also features a few suits paired with a Skims shirt and shorts.

SI’s editor-in-chief, MJ Day, commended Duff’s career as a form of quiet rebellion, highlighting her ability to continually reinvent herself with confidence, humor, and grace. Day noted that the four cover models challenge traditional expectations of the issue, framing Duff’s cover as part of a broader message that there is no singular path to success.

Fans have been vocal about the photos, with many leaning into nostalgia. Some made jokes referencing ‘Lizzie McGuire,’ including nods to the character’s tumultuous relationship with the scheming Italian pop star from ‘The Lizzie McGuire Movie.’ Others simply celebrated the bold step taken by a beloved childhood icon.

The cover also arrives during a significant year for Duff, who was featured on the TIME100 list in April. For many millennials, she has been a constant presence throughout their lives, which explains the strong reactions. The blend of nostalgia and contemporary relevance is a key part of her current appeal.

The SI cover fits seamlessly into a larger narrative of resurgence. Duff has transitioned from teen idol to television lead, pop singer, and now Swimsuit cover star. Each phase represents a statement about who gets to define an entertainer’s career beyond their early years.

With a new album, a world tour, and a high-profile magazine cover under her belt, Duff has plenty of momentum. While it remains uncertain if a new acting project will follow, fans are eager for more. For now, the stunning photos have given them another reason to celebrate Duff.

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