NBC Signs Exclusive One-Year Talent And Development Deal With Hilary Duff To Star In Her Own Series From Universal Media Studios

NBC has signed Hilary Duff to a one-year, exclusive, talent and development deal to star in her own series that would also allow her to guest-star or appear in multiple story arcs in various current NBC series, it was announced today by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios

"Hilary is an incredibly versatile talent with a huge following whose career we know will continue to soar on NBC," said Teri Weinberg, Executive Vice President, NBC Entertainment. "We are confident we will develop great ideas that would feature her vast talents and are thrilled to have this opportunity."

The new series would be produced by Universal Media Studios.

Hilary gained fame in the Disney Channel's top-rated series "Lizzie McGuire" in 2001. Shortly after, Duff starred in numerous feature films such as "The Lizzie McGuire Movie," "Agent Cody Banks," "A Cinderella Story," "The Perfect Man," "Raise Your Voice," "Cheaper by the Dozen" and "Cheaper by the Dozen 2."

More recently, Hilary pushed new boundaries as an actress co-starring in John Cusack's critically acclaimed 2008 film "War, Inc." Also due on the big screen in 2009, are the feature films "Safety Glass," "Stay Cool" and "Greta," in which Hilary plays the title character and co-stars with Oscar winner Ellyn Burstyn.

In addition to her acting, Duff also has a global prolific and successful singing career, entering the Top-40 music charts with the singles "So Yesterday" and "Come Clean." Her first album, "Metamorphosis," debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 and later rose to the #1 spot, selling over two million copies. She has won two platinum album awards and her concerts are routinely sold out across the country as she attracts a large and loyal fan base.

Among her many accolades, Duff was honored with two separate Teen Choice Awards for her performances in "The Lizzie McGuire Movie" and "A Cinderella Story." She also was named by Teen People as one of the magazine's "25 Hottest Stars Under 25."

Hilary is passionate about several charitable causes. Her charity work includes the founding of Blessings in a Back Pack, an organization she started with USA Harvest founder Stan Curtis, which helps inner city schoolchildren get the nutrition they need. Hilary has also been passionate in speaking out against animal cruelty.