Remembering Brittany Murphy

Posted by

, Assistant Editor on December 21, 2009

We were shocked and saddened when news broke that Brittany Murphy died of sudden cardiac arrest in her home yesterday morning at the age of 32. Soon after the story was confirmed, people all over the Internet began expressing their grief and fond memories of Murphy with quotes from her cult classic, Clueless: "That was way harsh, Tai."

Murphy's big screen break came in 1995 when she starred opposite Alicia Silverstone in the modern adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma. Clueless took Emma from country balls in the English countryside to city malls in Beverly Hills. Critics were skeptical about the movie's premise, but it won legions of fans, thanks in large part to Murphy's portrayal of Tai, an affable, naive west coast transplant whose one-liners obviously continue to be remembered by an entire generation. ("Cher, I don't want to do this anymore. And my buns, they don't feel nothin' like steel." "You're just a virgin who can't drive." "Shit, you guys, I have never had straight friends before!")

Murphy rollin' with her homies in "Clueless"

Murphy went on to star in plenty of other iconic '90s films, including Freeway (1996), Girl Interrupted (1999), Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999).

Murphy as Daisy in "Girl Interrupted"

The next decade saw Murphy's career turn toward chick flicks like Little Black Book (2004), Just Married (2003) and Uptown Girls (2003).

Murphy and Dakota Fanning in "Uptown Girls"

Brittany Murphy also played a lesbian character opposite Joanne Vannicola in Common Ground in 2000:

And kissed co-star Kerry Washington in 2006's The Dead Girl.

According to the Associated Press, an "official cause of [Murphy's] death may not be determined for some time, since toxicology tests will be required," but "it appears to be natural."

There will, of course, be plenty of speculation — from drug abuse to eating disorder — surrounding Murphy's death until the official report is released. We'll leave that to the tabloids; instead we'll celebrate Murphy's career and mourn the loss of another actor who left us far too soon.

How will you remember Brittany Murphy?

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Comments

Molly Morgan

Posted by

Joyous (131 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 12:26pm

When I first saw "Clueless" I was like. Isn't that the chick from the Torkelsons? Anyone else remember that show. It's never mentioned for your acting stints.

Yes!

Posted by

pkiddo (26 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 01:15pm

I loved The Torkelsons...and then there was Almost Home, which is what Brittany was on. I loved those shows.

She will be missed dearly.

yep, i had the exact same

Posted by

sgtmian (89 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 02:32pm

yep, i had the exact same reaction. i liked that show though.

Yep, that's also where I

Posted by

Layla (119 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 03:36pm

Yep, that's also where I remember her from.

"Most Lesbians are deliberate cowards. Usually they're too lazy or too full of themselves to go out and get themselves a man." (The Shadowy Sex, Hilary Hilton)

i just

Posted by

kellie.r.c. (18 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 04:14pm

watched all those episodes on youtube during my thanksgiving break! brittany murphy was too funny as molly.

R.I.P

Posted by

thatswatshesaid (40 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 12:30pm

Honestly her death was very very unexpected, but then again most deaths are. I wasnt a huge fan, but im very sorry that shes gone.

Sin City

Posted by

Phantom (162 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 12:43pm

...and Sin City.
I loved her in Sin City. :(
Damn. She will be missed.

32 is just waaaaay too young!

Posted by

The Shibster (30 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 04:01pm

No matter the cause of her death, 32 is just way too young to die! Never been a big fan of her (I only know her from Clueless, but regardless of how long ago I saw that movie I still remember that character vividly) but it's a shame nonetheless.

Plus; it's a scary thought that someone that young (only a couple years older than me) can die of heart failure while noone knew she had any problems in that area. Scary shit!

dang...

Posted by

IndustrialGirl (128 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 12:48pm

i actually started crying when i found out. one of my friends texted me. i was a huge fan. she was my favorite character in clueless, girl, interrupted and King of the Hill. only a few yrs older than me and she's gone. heartbreaking.

"Life's too short to be cool" -Shirley Manson-

www.myspace.com/grbgfreak1

i was shocked

Posted by

clik scribe (296 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 12:48pm

i've always had a crush on her. i loved her in Riding in Cars with Boys.

so sad that she's gone so young...it's a shame.

so upsetting

Posted by

Fia (44 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 12:49pm

i loved her in a lot of movies, those up there ^, as well as sin city and just married, and 8 mile. :(

RIP Brittany

Posted by

7Up (751 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 12:54pm

Soooo sad and shocking, I can't believe it, uggg.....

RIP Brittany

Such a Talent

Posted by

Mirrener (13 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 12:55pm

I was heartbroken to hear of her death. I always wondered why she wasn't more famous, on par with Reese Witherspoon, etc...maybe she just added that very unique, sweet quirky layer that didn't appeal to the masses, I don't know. But she elevated any movie she was in, and underneath you could tell she was a real sweetheart. I remember when she was on Ellen, they got on so well together, and she was hilarious. It makes me feel as I did with Heath Ledger, "Now we'll never know how much more she could have done with her talent..." : (

Luanne

Posted by

K (187 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 01:06pm

i will always think of her as luanne on king of the hill.

So young

Posted by

Discoveries (325 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 01:07pm

It just doesn't seem right that she's passed on. I hope the media doesn't turn the cause of death investigation into a sensationalism fest. May she rest in peace.

i was a huge fan and had a

Posted by

jess (7 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 01:28pm

i was a huge fan and had a huge crush:(

RIP

For me, she'll ALWAYS be

Posted by

krys (36 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 01:31pm

For me, she'll ALWAYS be Tai. That role was made for her. She was crazy brilliant in Girl, Interrupted. And I can never forget her as Gloria, from Happy Feet. She had such a beautiful singing voice. She's definitely rollin' with the homies, wherever she is.

Miss Her

Posted by

Jacci (5 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 01:33pm

My first thought of her is saying "I'll never tell...anyone" in like a singing voice in Don't Say a Word. Great movie and an even better book. Also as Luann in King of the Hill- sweet character! I was so shocked hearing that she passed away, she's so young and talented.

Gone way too young

Posted by

Jill (60 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 01:53pm

Gone way too young. Such a talented woman, I haven't seen all of her stuff, but I did love her in Clueless and some others.

I'm hoping the tabloids leave her alone and don't speculate too much on what exactly happened. They seem more interested in making everything sordid and tarnishing those that have gone more than celebrating who they were and what they did so thanks for:

"There will, of course, be plenty of speculation — from drug abuse to eating disorder — surrounding Murphy's death until the official report is released. We'll leave that to the tabloids; instead we'll celebrate Murphy's career and mourn the loss of another actor who left us far too soon."

Jill

She will be missed

Posted by

Rashun (71 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 01:59pm

I will always remember her in Clueless. I just loved her as Tai. She just had this light that shined so brightly and no matter the role she played it was their.

I hate it when people die

Posted by

SouthBluno (419 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 02:15pm

I hate it when people die before their time, it shouldn't happen. I fell in love with basically every character i saw of hers, you will be missed Brittany. Good luck girl, where ever you are.

:/

Posted by

Anonymous

on December 21, 2009 at 02:32pm

She was too gorgeous to die. I adored her in Clueless and in Girl, Interrupted.

It was so random and I'll miss seeing her face on the big screens.

Rest in peace

Posted by

little_angel (53 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 03:03pm

Didn't expected such a young death and hearing the news at night time is even more dippressing.

I loved her in just married and uptown girls.

Freeway

Posted by

Ashley (56 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 03:06pm

is one of my favorite movies.

I forgot about that one.

Posted by

Candice (312 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 03:44pm

I forgot about that one. That is an awesome movie.

Rest In Peace...

Posted by

imthey (617 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 03:15pm

I was lucky enough to have met and spoken with Brittany Murphy back in 2000, and she couldn't have been any nicer or more down to earth.

I was shocked and saddened by the news of her untimely death.

She was a young woman with so much life left to live.

I will choose to remember Brittany as the wonderfully ebullient young woman I once had the pleasure of meeting and I will remember her for the body of work in Movies, TV and Music that she leaves behind-a legacy for all her fans (past, present and future).

If God had wanted me otherwise, He would have created me otherwise. ~Johann von Goethe

Uptown Girls.

Posted by

Candice (312 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 03:42pm

Uptown Girls.

RIP

Posted by

arco da velha (212 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 04:49pm

Molly smiles with the dawn, Molly smiles while she radiates a glow around her halo...omg that movie is just BEAUTIFUL!!! I'll remember her great acting skills on every movie she played...and also she sang really beautiful =)

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."

I'll remember Brittany Murphy...

Posted by

Low-Ren-Zo. (1761 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 03:45pm

as Luanne Platter.

THOSE ARE BIG OL' DREAMS, LUANNE!

_______________________________________

Because the Wind is High...it Blows my Mind.

She played a lesbian in Freeway

Posted by

scarlett (121 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 03:58pm

and makes out with Reese Witherspoon. That movie is awesome. Probably one of Witherspoon's best performances of all time. Brittany Murphy was pretty good too. She really pulled off the tripped-out, creepy, glue-huffer.

Queer Friendly

Posted by

Mo (21 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 07:28pm

She played quite a few gay characters- She was a lesbian in "Freeway", "The Dead Girl" and "Common Ground". Did anyone else think her character in "Girl, Interrupted" was at least a little queer?

One of my favorite Brittany Murphy Character quotes:

Freeway (1996)

Rhonda: I don't get how a person could go through their whole lives never being into girls. I just... I love girls.

Vanessa: You can keep 'em.

She will be missed - "The Dead Girl" is one of my favorite movies and I really appreciated her willingness to raise queer visibility while portraying human fragility, vulnerability and naivety.

I totally agree

Posted by

pancreas (453 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 11:45pm

Everyone in GI seemed a bit queer to me, and I just loved her in that movie.

It's so sad.

king of the hill

Posted by

strict machine (4987 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 04:19pm

freeway, girl interrupted and sin city were my faves.

its a shame so many comments on other reports are jumping straight on the drugs/and or/eating disorder assumption.

Why is that a shame?

Posted by

monica_ca (753 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 09:37pm

Not to be a jerk or anything, but I'm just curious as to why you think that. I guess that I just don't think of drug addiction or an eating disorder as something shameful, per se. Heartbreaking anytime someone struggles with a mental health related issue, but not shameful. Granted, I'm sure that on some sites people have been jerks when discussing it, but so far all the articles I've read referring to the possibility of her having an eating disorder have been thoughtful and well-written, and have used this horribly tragedy to highlight the dangers of eating disorders.

the jerkiness

Posted by

strict machine (4987 posts)

on December 22, 2009 at 06:05am

in which ive seen it commented on. not the articles per se but the comments on

R.I.P

Posted by

Shiranova (31 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 04:21pm

I loved her so much. so sad :((((

Was not a huge fan...

Posted by

Anonymous

on December 21, 2009 at 04:37pm

But sad to see someone so young gone so soon!

I created a new Maria Sharapova thread. The old Maria/Camile thread was closed, so now go here http://www.afterellen.com/node/64468

So sad.

Posted by

amp777 (34 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 04:38pm

When I first read that she had died I almost thought it was some kind of a joke. Her passing was far too soon. Brittany Murphy was one of the few modern actresses I wouldn't mind watching a "bad" movie for, because she would always come back with something lasting and worth while.

i loved "Just Married",

Posted by

Regina (59 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 04:43pm

i loved "Just Married", cant believe she's gone :(

Laura

"Keep your feet on the ground when your head's in the clouds"

love her =(

Posted by

Jes RocksU2 (37 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 05:03pm

i loved her adorable scratchy/raspy voice. uptown girls one of my favs.

ill always remember clueless <3

R.I.P.

Posted by

RainbowHeartAttack (68 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 06:37pm

I'll always remember remember her in Uptown Girls with her pig named Moo, so cute. She was an awesome actress and will be missed. <3

"Bubblewrap is cheap. Therapy is expensive. You choose."

I loved Spun. I'll try not

Posted by

tinwen (98 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 06:40pm

I loved Spun. I'll try not to remember her as Nikki.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ian McKellen: "I said, Hands up who thinks they are part of a minority group, and all the hands went up."

thanks

Posted by

baubo (154 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 11:26pm

i though she was brilliant in Spun, and it's a underrated movie. maybe too dark for most but dang, what talent.

R.I.P. Brittany Murphy

Posted by

Stephanie (94 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 07:20pm

As a huge King of the Hill fan when I found out I was incredibly upset.

But I also knew about her in 8 Mile, and enjoyed her work in other movies.

May she rest in peace..

So sad!!

Posted by

Rosemary Rowe (14 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 07:28pm

I think my favourite Brittany Murphy role was in Drop Dead Gorgeous - she was so ridiculous and hilarious and sweet. And of course I loved her shouting "Well you know what, Dad? Peter's gay. GAAAAAAAAAAAY!!" at the end of the pageant.

Clearly there will be a Brittany Murphy film marathon at my house this holiday season. Can't believe she's gone.

********************************************************************

Web series! http://seekingsimone.com
Blog! http://creampuffrevolution.com

Lisa Swenson

Posted by

DerangedBeanie (106 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 07:44pm

"You know what, dad, know what? Peter's gay. Gay!!!"

I loved her in Girl, Interrupted, 8 Mile and Clueless, but she will always be Lisa Swenson to me.

I'm beyond sad about this

Posted by

JeSsIcA25 (76 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 07:57pm

I'm beyond sad about this loss. I was a Brittany Murphy fan from way back when. Such a stunning and amazing talent. One of my favorite films she did was "Don't Say A Word" But her Comedic roles were definately stand outs as well.....She will be very missed.

a huge loss!!!!

Posted by

Gaelic Girl (21 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 08:20pm

I couldn't believe it when i heard she had died, what a huge loss so tragic :( She was a great talent and a great actress, she will be missed...R.I.P Brittany. She was amazing..

R.I.P.

Posted by

Kawaii (93 posts)

on December 21, 2009 at 08:36pm

I'm not sure if I'll remember her for one particular role.
I just know that everytime I saw her on screen I'd stop and watch that (even for the second/third/forth time). She had such an appeal to me and I loved to hear her talking. And laughing.
She had such a sweet laugh...
<3