Brittany Murphy Through the Years: Her Life in Pictures

On December 21, 2024By Littum

Brittany Murphy was a Hollywood star unlike any other before her tragic death.

Born in November 1977 in Atlanta, Georgia, Brittany’s (full name Brittany Anne Murphy-Monjack) parents, Sharon Murphy and Angelo Bertolotti split when she was 2 years old. She became interested in acting after she and her mother moved to New Jersey.

Murphy got his big break on the sitcom Drexel’s class before moving on to critically and commercially acclaimed films such as Ignorant, Girl, interrupted, 8 miles and Uptown girls. After two failed engagements, she tied the knot Simon Monjack in 2007.

Murphy died unexpectedly at the age of 32 in December 2009, sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Her death was ruled an accident, with the official cause listed as pneumonia, anemia and prescription drug poisoning.

The mystery of why Murphy apparently did not seek medical treatment is what Dr. Lisa Scheininwho performed the actress’ autopsy, believes continues to hold people’s interest. “I think that’s why people just don’t let it go,” she told exclusively Us Weekly in December 2024. “A lot of times when a celebrity dies, there’s an initial flurry of interest and then it just fades away.”

Makeup artist Trista Jordanwho worked with the actress on the film Something eviltold Us: “Brittany left an impact on many people’s hearts. She was really a sweetheart, but I don’t think she surrounded herself with the right people. I think if she hadn’t met Simon Monjack, she’d probably still be alive.

Scroll down to see Murphy’s greatest personal and professional moments:

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Related: 10 Brittany Murphy Movies in Honor of Her 47th Birthday