Updated: February 26, 2026
Hilary Duff has been a household name since her Disney days, captivating fans with her charm, music, and acting. But beyond the spotlight, her personal life—especially her first marriage—has often sparked curiosity. Her ex-husband, Mike Comrie, was a key chapter in her journey as a young mom and rising star. Even years later, Hilary occasionally reflects on that time, sharing insights about love, heartbreak, and co-parenting. Let’s dive into the details of Hilary Duff first husband and what made their relationship memorable.
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Who Is Mike Comrie? Meet Hilary Duff’s First Husband
Mike Comrie is a retired professional hockey player who had a solid career in the NHL. Born in 1980 in Canada, he played as a center for teams like the Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, and Pittsburgh Penguins before retiring in 2011.
Hilary and Mike’s paths crossed in a classic Hollywood-meets-sports romance. They started dating in 2007, when Hilary was in her early 20s and building her post-Disney career. Mike brought a grounded, athletic energy to her life, and the couple quickly became one of those sweet, low-key pairs in the public eye.
- Background: Canadian-born athlete with a successful NHL run (2000–2011).
- Personality vibe: Known for being laid-back and family-focused post-retirement.
- Connection to Hilary: Met through mutual circles in LA; their relationship felt refreshingly normal amid her fame.
Their bond grew steadily, leading to an engagement in early 2010.
The Wedding and Family Life: A Joyful Beginning
On August 14, 2010, Hilary Duff and Mike Comrie tied the knot in a beautiful, intimate ceremony in Santa Barbara, California. It was a dreamy event with close friends and family, marking a happy milestone for the then-22-year-old actress-singer.
Just two years later, in March 2012, they welcomed their son, Luca Cruz Comrie. Becoming parents added a new layer of joy and responsibility to their marriage. Hilary often spoke about how motherhood changed her perspective, and the family seemed picture-perfect from the outside—balancing Hilary’s busy career with Mike’s post-hockey life.
But like many relationships under public scrutiny, challenges emerged. Hilary was navigating her music comeback and acting roles, while adjusting to family life.
The Separation and Divorce: What Really Happened
After less than four years of marriage, Hilary and Mike announced their separation in January 2014 (though some reports note they had privately separated earlier). Hilary filed for divorce in February 2015, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalized in February 2016.
In recent reflections (including a 2026 podcast appearance), Hilary described the split as a tough but mutual decision. She emphasized that they weren’t dramatic about it—joking it was like a “conscious uncoupling” before that term blew up. Her own parents’ messy divorce influenced her to keep things as amicable as possible, especially for Luca, who was just a toddler at the time.
Key reasons shared over the years include growing apart amid busy lives, but Hilary has stressed it wasn’t about one big blow-up. She wanted to model for her son that it’s okay to prioritize happiness and walk away when something isn’t working.
- Separation date: Around 2014 (announced publicly in 2014).
- Divorce finalized: February 2016.
- Custody: Joint custody of Luca, with no spousal support (thanks to a prenup).
- Settlement highlights: Hilary kept their Beverly Hills home (paying Mike ~$2.4 million for his share); he kept personal items like cars and jewelry.
They’ve maintained a respectful co-parenting dynamic ever since.
Hilary’s Life After the Divorce: Moving Forward with Grace
Post-divorce, Hilary found love again with musician Matthew Koma. They started collaborating on music in 2013 (while she was still married, though the romance sparked later), dated, welcomed daughter Banks in 2018, married in December 2019, and added daughters Mae (2021) and Townes (2024). Today, Hilary and Matthew share a blended family with Luca and their three girls.
Hilary has spoken openly about showing Luca that fighting for your happiness matters—even if it means tough choices. She and Mike continue to co-parent smoothly, focusing on their son’s well-being.
Here’s a quick overview of the key facts:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| First Husband | Mike Comrie (retired NHL player) |
| Dating Started | 2007 |
| Marriage Date | August 14, 2010 |
| Child Together | Luca Cruz Comrie (born March 2012, now 13) |
| Separation | 2014 |
| Divorce Finalized | February 2016 |
| Reason Cited | Irreconcilable differences |
| Current Status | Amicable co-parents; Hilary remarried to Matthew Koma |
Conclusion: Lessons from Hilary Duff’s First Marriage
Hilary Duff’s marriage to Mike Comrie was a significant part of her growth—from young love to parenthood and learning what she truly needs in a partnership. While it didn’t last forever, it gave her Luca and valuable insights on handling life’s changes with grace and maturity.
Today, as a mom of four in a happy marriage, Hilary continues to inspire fans with her honesty about real-life ups and downs. Her story reminds us that relationships evolve, and choosing happiness—for yourself and your kids—is always worth it.
What do you think about Hilary’s journey? Share your thoughts below!