Christy Carlson Romano says former Even Stevens co-star Shia LaBeouf regularly trash-talked Lizzie McGuire while competing to make their Disney Channel series the network’s top show.
Romano discussed the rivalry during a recent appearance on The Joe Vulpis Podcast. She said Disney Channel actors were more competitive with shows on their own network than with young stars working for Nickelodeon.
Romano recalled that LaBeouf focused particularly on Lizzie McGuire, which starred Hilary Duff. “He was very competitive,” Romano said.
According to Romano, Duff appeared unaware of any rivalry and was focused on her own work. Romano played LaBeouf’s on-screen sister in Even Stevens.
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The series ran for three seasons from 2000 to 2003, the same period in which Lizzie McGuire aired. She suggested LaBeouf placed great importance on the programme’s success because of his difficult upbringing.
Romano also addressed their relationship today. She said they no longer speak and that she doesn’t feel the need to reconnect with him.
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Still, Romano said she wishes LaBeouf well and recognises that their years working together affected both of them. She compared their current relationship to former schoolmates who follow each other’s lives without remaining close.
