Brittany Murphy and Simon Monjack Remembered
Brittany Murphy was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1977. Though the actress revealed that her mother tried to stifle her creativity, Brittany also cited her as pivotal to her later success. "When I asked my mom to move to California, she sold everything and move out here for me. ... She always believed in me."
By Charlotte Duck
The actress always said she couldn’t imagine doing any other job: "I've always seen myself as one of those 'show people.' My earliest memories are wanting and needing to entertain people, like a gypsy traveler who goes from place to place, city to city, performing for audiences and reaching people."
Brittany’s nickname was “Crack Baby” due to her constant giggling in Maths class when she was younger.
Brittany Murphy hit the big time with 90s chick flick Clueless. The actress played Tai, the transfer student who Alicia Silverstone’s Cher took under her wing – and out shopping.
Brittany herself has admitted her trademark role is a mentally disturbed teenager and that’s exactly the role should took on in 2001 when she appeared alongside Michael Douglas in Don’t Say A Word.
The actress experienced an amazing makeover since finding fame. She went from plump brunette to svelte blonde. In fact her transformation was so spectacular, she constantly had to deny that she’d had plastic surgery.
Brittany turned up to her first film premiere in her own dress and red lipstick but she soon learnt the Hollywood ropes and regularly wowed with her style choices.
Brittany showed her diversity as an actress by appearing as the love interest of rapper Eminem in his hip-hop biographical drama 8 Mile in 2002.
After meeting on the set of Just Married, Brittany started dating Ashton Kutcher in late 2002. The actor Tweeted: "see you on the other side kid," on hearing the news of her death.
Brittany impressed at the MTV Movie Awards in 2002 by singing the ceremony’s opening act.
Brittany looked radiant and completely unfazed by Hollywood legend Al Pacino, when she presented him with his Best Actor Golden Globe in 2004.
Brittany had an innate skill when it came to acting. "I don't read the script a zillion times, I don't like to analyze things and my mind can go there very easily," she once revealed in an interview.
Brittany appeared in all three major storylines in 2005’s Sin City but managed to film all her scenes in just one day.
After a bit of a wobbly start, Brittany developed a love of fashion and shopping. In 2005, she was named spokesmodel of Jordache Jeans.
As well as her acting career, Brittany also found success as a singer. In 2006, she put her vocal talents to good use when she collaborated with Paul Oakenfold in “Faster Kill Pussycat”, which quickly became a club hit and topped Billboard’s Dance Chart.
The actress voiced the character of Gloria in penguin animation Happy Feet. She also sang on the soundtrack, covering Queen’s “Somebody To Love” and Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Boogie Wonderland”.
After two failed engagements – first to talent manager Jeff Kwatinetz – and then to production assistant Joe Macaluso, Brittany finally tied the knot with British screenwriter Simon Monjack in 2007.
At the time of her death, Brittany had three films in production, including Sylvester Stallone’s The Expendables, which was set to be released next year.
Brittany Murphy died aged 32, after suffering a suspected heart attack while at her home in West Hollywood. Police have said she died from natural causes and have ruled out any foul play.
The stars have been paying tribute to the actress. Alicia Silvertone said: "I feel love in my heart for her - and hope she is at peace. This is truly sad." Lindsay Lohan added her condolences: “My deepest condonlences [sic] go out to all of Brittany Murphy's loved ones& may she rest in peace....She was a great talent w/a beautiful soul xo"
