The Younger star reflected on the touching comments she often receives about her son’s character, offering a rare glimpse into her life as a mom of a teenager.
Hilary Duff marked a major milestone as her son, Luca Cruz, officially stepped into his teenage years. Fans quickly joined in the celebration, filling the comments with warm wishes and admiration for the proud mom and her lookalike son.
A fan comments on the resemblance between Hilary Duff and her son Luca Cruz, from a post dated March 20, 2025 | Source: Instagram/hilaryduff
On Thursday, March 20, the 37-year-old marked her son’s 13th birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post containing a series of touching photos. The pictures captured moments from Luca’s early days as a newborn, through his toddler years, and as a caring big brother spending time with his sisters.
Hilary Duff and her son Luca Cruz, from a post dated March 20, 2025 | Source: Instagram/hilaryduff
“Wow- is time ever a thief. I thought ten years of being a mom felt wild…yet here I am at my son’s 13th birthday. I can’t go anywhere without people telling me what a nice kid Luca is. Sweet, heart facing forward with the coolest point of view,” she gushed.
Luca Cruz, from a post dated March 20, 2025 | Source: Instagram/hilaryduff
The actress reflected on her son’s growth and highlighted Luca’s passion for soccer, his talent for drawing, and his gift for writing.
Luca Cruz, from a post dated March 20, 2025 | Source: Instagram/hilaryduff
She also noted his newfound interest in history and expressed admiration for his knowledge, which often surpassed her own due to her unconventional schooling experience.
Luca Cruz and Townes Meadow Bair, from a post dated March 20, 2025 | Source: Instagram/hilaryduff
“It’s so cool to see his interest shift, his confidence grow…his sure footedness and knowing being learned. My only son. I love you more than the moon and as far as all the stars in the sky [sic],” she continued.
Luca Cruz, from a post dated March 20, 2025 | Source: Instagram/hilaryduff
Hilary Duff highlighted the moments she treasures most with Luca, from simply hanging out and exchanging texts to having late-night kitchen chats.
Luca Cruz, from a post dated March 20, 2025 | Source: Instagram/hilaryduff
She also shared her joy in driving him around, cheering him on at soccer games, and bonding over their favorite hip-hop tracks, including songs by Kendrick Lamar and Lil Tecca.
Luca Cruz, from a post dated March 20, 2025 | Source: Instagram/hilaryduff
“The kind of big brother you are is the best Your smile is the best Your humor is the best. you being fully YOU is the best. Being your mom is the BEST HAPPY 13 Angel, forever standing by to cheer you on. ♥️-mom,[sic]” the proud mom of four concluded.
Luca Cruz, from a post dated March 20, 2025 | Source: Instagram/hilaryduff
Fans quickly joined Hilary, celebrating the milestone and gushing over how much Luca resembles his mom. One fan couldn’t believe the striking resemblance, saying, “Baby, that’s your male twin. Okay? You spit him right out!” Another echoed the sentiment, “Img [sic] he looks just like you ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”
Luca Cruz, from a post dated March 20, 2025 | Source: Instagram/hilaryduff
The similarities were undeniable, with someone else pointing out, “He is the spitting image of you! Same smile and everything, so sweet! 💕💕💕 happy birthday Luca!” More fans concurred sweetly, “He is so your mini-me @hilaryduff!! Such a cute kid! Happy Birthday, Luca! 🎉🥳🎂”
Luca Cruz and his sisters Banks Violet and Mae James Bair, from a post dated March 20, 2025 | Source: Instagram/hilaryduff
One fan marveled at Luca’s growth, writing, “Stop lying—he was a toddler like two days ago!” Others were just as surprised, with one remarking, “How is he this tall already?! Happy bday, Luca! 🥳”
Luca, born on March 20, 2012, is the eldest child and only son of Hilary Duff, from her marriage to ex-husband Mike Comrie. She is also a proud mom to three daughters—Banks Violet, Mae James, and Townes Meadow—whom she shares with her husband, Matthew Koma. Banks was born on October 25, 2018, Mae on March 24, 2021, and Townes on May 3, 2024.
Though Hilary’s acting career spans four decades, her most cherished role is motherhood. Becoming a mom at a young age came with challenges—few of her friends had children, leaving her feeling isolated at times. Yet, after years of working, stepping into motherhood felt like a natural progression.
She always knew that being a mother would be her top priority, but pregnancy brought unexpected fears, as countless “what ifs” filled her mind. After welcoming Luca, she experienced a loss of identity in the first year and a half—not necessarily in a negative way, but with moments of sadness as she adjusted to the all-consuming nature of motherhood.
Life at home with a baby looked different than she had imagined—overwhelming and isolating at times, yet undeniably beautiful. Today, she believes balancing parenthood and work is all about timing and priorities. While it’s challenging, she has learned that compartmentalizing is key.
“I think working is so great as a parent. I appreciate my kids so much more when I’ve had adult time and used my brain in other ways or channeled my energy into my art,” she shared. By pursuing her passions outside of motherhood, Hilary finds fulfillment in both her career and family life.
“I just love watching my kids form into their own individual unique selves. I love my loud household with mayhem and the craziness and all the love and all the dirt,” she enthused.
“And actually everybody gets along really well. Well, Banks and Mae maybe fight the most right now, but they’re the closest in age,” she revealed.
When it comes to parenting with her husband, she said, “I love [parenting] with my husband. I love feeling like hugs and cuddles can make everything better.” Matthew and Hilary take turns being the firm parent. Duff acknowledged that she can sometimes be quicker to set boundaries, especially after a day filled with constant “mom” calls.
She shared how, during a trip to Paris, the kids shifted their attention to Matthew, calling for “dad” just as much. While Matthew initially found it amusing, he soon understood the overwhelming experience. Generally, Hilary believes their strength as parents lies in their ability to step back and assess where they’re needed most.
With this approach, she embraces the pressure that comes with juggling daily responsibilities. This helps her find fulfillment in the moments when, despite the chaos, everyone is fed, happy, and tucked in at the end of the day.
Furthermore, as much as the kids often gravitate towards her, she finds it endearing that her husband doesn’t take it personally, at least most of the time. She admits that while it occasionally stings for him, he remains supportive, always stepping up to help when she needs to head out the door.
