Jennifer Coolidge is known for her total commitment to every role. In a recent interview with Variety, Hilary Duff shared a memory from her teenage years on the set of A Cinderella Story when she was just 15 years old. Duff admitted feeling intimidated by Coolidge’s method acting, describing moments when the older actress stayed fully in character even off camera.
“I was genuinely afraid of her while we were filming,” Duff recalled. “She was supposed to be mean to me, and she really was—at least during those scenes.”
Despite her initial fear, Duff now looks back on that experience with admiration. She praised Coolidge’s dedication and talent, explaining that it helped her understand what it means to fully embody a character. Today, Duff speaks fondly of her time working with Coolidge and appreciates how that intensity contributed to the authenticity of their performances.
“I see now how much her commitment elevated the movie,” Duff said. “It taught me a lot about acting.”
A Cinderella Story, released in 2004, became a teen favorite and remains one of Duff’s most memorable films. Coolidge’s portrayal of the vain and scheming stepmother added a campy edge that balanced Duff’s earnest performance. The enduring popularity of the film highlights how their on-screen tension translated into cinematic chemistry.
Author’s summary:
Hilary Duff recalled feeling intimidated by Jennifer Coolidge’s dedication while filming A Cinderella Story, though later she admired the experience for shaping her acting perspective.