November 10, 1977 - December 20, 2009Brittany Murphy was born in Atlanta, Georgia on November 10, 1977. She was raised in Edison, New Jersey by her mother, Sharon Murphy, after her parents split when she was just 2 years old. Brittany began doing plays at regional theatre when she was 9 years old. In 1991, when Brittany was 13, she and her mother moved to Burbank, California. The following year Brittany landed a starring role on the television show "Drexell's Class" playing the lead character "Brenda Drexell". She went on to act in many television shows and films over the course of her career, and appeared in several television commercials, music videos, and was on the cover of Maxim Magazine in 2001. Among her theatre credits is the Tony-winning revival of "A View from the Bridge".
Brittany Murphy was also a very talented singer. She and Paul Oakenfold released the single "Faster Kill Pussycat" in 2006, from the album "A Lively Mind". It became a club hit, and was number one on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play chart. It also hit number seven on the UK singles chart in June 2006. In addition, she covered Queen's "Somebody to Love" and Earth, Wind & Fire's "Boogie Wonderland" for the film "Happy Feet".
In 2002, Murphy dated Ashton Kutcher, whom she co-starred with in the film "Just Married". Murphy was engaged to talent manager Jeff Kwatinetz, then production assistant Joe Macaluso - both of which ended before marriage. In May 2007, Murphy married British screenwriter Simon Monjack in a private Jewish ceremony.
Brittany Murphy had a special quality about her personality that seemed to be almost mesmerizing. From her lovely, engaging voice, to her amazing unique beauty, Britt never failed to capture the hearts and emotions of those who were fortunate enough to watch her perform. I for one, could NEVER get enough of Britt's fantastic acting, and always looked forward to her next film.
From what I have heard and read about her husband, Simon Monjack, he very well may have been a terrible influence on her life. So many people have been in "bad relationships" or with the "wrong one", but continued to remain in the relationship for unknown, mysterious, and unexplained reasons. Maybe Britt was in that situation. But it is all speculation at this point. I am sure many many unknown details (both fact and fiction) surrounding Britt's relationship with her husband will surface.
On February 4, 2010, the Los Angeles County coroner stated that the primary cause of Murphy's death was pneumonia, with secondary factors of iron-deficiency anemia and multiple drug intoxication. On February 25, 2010, the coroner released a report stating that Murphy had been taking a range of over-the-counter and prescription medications, with the most likely reason being to treat a cold or respiratory infection. These included "elevated levels" of hydrocodone, acetaminophen, L-methamphetamine and chlorpheniramine. All of the drugs were legal and the death was ruled to be an accident.
The entertainment industry has lost another wonderful star. Britt will always hold a special place deep in the hearts of us who adored her and enjoyed all of the hard work and sacrifices she made to entertain us.
Brittany Murphy was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills on December 24, 2009.
Sincerely,
Alan Baltes
www.alanbaltes.com
contact@actressbrittanymurphy.com
Brittany Murphy's husband, Simon Monjack was found dead on May 23, 2010 in his house in Hollywood. Law enforcement sources say the Los Angeles Fire Department was called there for a medical emergency after Murphy's mother, Sharon, found Monjack unconscious in the master bedroom around 9:20pm, and then called 9-1-1. Paramedics arrived, and Monjack was pronounced dead at 9:45pm. His death certificate lists the cause of death as "deferred." He was buried at the Forest Lawn cemetery in the Hollywood Hills next to Murphy.
