Washington, July 13 -- Actor and singer Hilary Duff says being a cherished part of so many people's childhoods is something she carries with immense pride, describing it as a "badge of honor."

In an interview with People magazine, the 38-year-old reflected on the lasting impact of her acting and music career, which helped define the childhoods of a generation of fans.

"I hear that a lot from people, [that I was an important part of their childhood], and I wear a badge of honor," Duff said.

Duff first gained recognition with her role in Casper Meets Wendy (1998), before becoming a household name in 2001 after landing the title role in Disney Channel's Lizzie McGuire. The series established her as one of the most recognisable young stars...