25 Photos of the Late Brittany Murphy That Capture Her Endless Charisma (2025)

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October 13, 2021 at 11:42am EDT

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There are some stars who, despite their short careers, leave a truly indelible mark on Hollywood. After more than a decade since her tragic death, it’s clear that Brittany Murphy was one of those artists. The actress skyrocketed to fame in the mid-’90s following the success of the classic teen romantic comedy Clueless. Murphy followed up her breakout role with a range of dramatic and comedic performances in films likeSin City,Uptown Girls,Happy Feet, and more.

Sadly, at the age of 32 years old, Murphy’s life was cut short when she died of pneumonia in 2009. It’s been nearly 13 years since the actress passed away, and now, a new HBO Max documentary series reexamines her life and death. What Happened, Brittany Murphy? premieres October 14, 2021, and unearths new anecdotes about Murphy’s life and death.

Of all the elements and details the docu-series parses through, one thing is certain: Murphy was an undeniable talent who passed away far too soon. Before you check out the docu-series, check out some of our favorite snapshots of Murphy throughout her life and remarkable career.

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Brittany Murphy with Alicia Silverstone & Stacey Dash on the set of ‘Clueless’
Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, and Alicia Silverstone pose for a photo on the set of Clueless in 1995. Murphy was just 18 years old when she played Tai!
A Still from ‘Clueless’
Brittany Murphy, Alicia Silverstone, and Stacey Dash in a still fromClueless. The movie skyrocketed its young stars to fame, including Murphy.
Brittany Murphy in ‘Drop Dead Gorgeous’
Afterthe success of Clueless, Murphy went on to star in 1999’s Drop Dead Gorgeous. Here she is in a scene with Denise Richards, Kirsten Dunst, and Amy Adams.
Brittany Murphy in ‘Girl, Interrupted’
The ’90s continued to be a breakout decade for Murphy, who starred in Girl, Interrupted alongside Oscar winner Angelina Jolie and Winona Ryder. If anything, Murphy showed that she clearly had the range to take on a number of different roles.
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Disturbing New Details About Brittany Murphy’s Life, Death, and Marriage
Brittany Murphy in NYC
Here, Brittany Murphy is photographed at the opening of ‘True West’ in New York Citty in 2000.
Brittany Murphy in ‘8 Mile’
Another dramatic turn, Murphy held her own against rapper Eminem in the 2002 Oscar-winning film8 Mile. She played Alex, the love interest of Eminem’s character in the movie.
Brittany Murphy at the Tom Hanks AFI Tribute
Brittany Murphy looked so sweet in this blue dress at the AFI Tribute to Tom Hanks at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles in the early aughts.
Brittany Murphy in ‘Uptown Girls’
In 2003, Murphy worked with Dakota Fanning on the sweet filmUptown Girls. The twosome were absolutely adorable in this movie!
A Still from ‘Uptown Girls’
It was really clear that Murphy and Fanning bonded while working together onUptown Girls. Don’t believe us? Just take a look at the next slide!
Brittany Murphy & Dakota Fanning at the Premiere of ‘Uptown Girls’
Well, how cute is this! At the August 2003 premiere ofUptown Girls, Fanning and Murphy posed up a storm. Following Murphy’s tragic death, Fanning reflected on how special Murphy was.
“She just taught me to always have fun, she was such a ray of light and had such a playful spirit, so I think just — she made every day special for me. She was so wonderful,” Fanning said during a July 2020 appearance onWatch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.
Brittany Murphy Dazzles at the 2004 Golden Globe Awards
Brittany Murphy looked truly gorgeous at the 61st Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. She just radiated old Hollywood glamour.
Brittany Murphy at the Premiere of ‘Little Black Book’
At the July 21, 2004, New York premiere ofLittle Black Book, Brittany Murphy blew kisses at the cameras and just looked so sweet.
Brittany Murphy in ‘Sin City’
One of the edgier roles that Murphy took on was in 2005’s Sin City, in which she starred in an ensemble cast that included Clive Owen, Bruce Willis, Rosario Dawson, and more!
Brittany Murphy with Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba and Brittany Murphy pose during a photo call for Sin City at the 58th international Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2005. Following the actress’ death, the cast and crew completely mourned her loss.
“Brittany was one of the sweetest souls I’ve ever encountered,”Sin Cityco-director told Huffington Post in 2017. “When she passed, it broke my heart. I called Robert and said, ‘Let’s not bring this character back. Only Brittany can play her.’ And we let go of her.”
Brittany Murphy at the 2006 Vanity Fair Oscars Party
Brittany Murphy looked phenomenal at Vanity Fair’s 2006 Oscars party. Of all her memorable red carpet looks, this may have been one of her best.
Brittany Murphy at the ‘Liza With A Z’ Premiere
Brittany Murphy arrive for Lize With A Z Showtime west coast premiere on March 21, 2006. She totally radiated old Hollywood glam with her white dress and up ‘do.
Brittany Murphy at ‘The Dead Girl’ Premiere
Brittany Murphy laughs while cameras flash at the premiere ofThe Dead Girl on November 7, 2006. She put her own unique spin on her LBD, and it was totally timeless.
Brittany Murphy at the Premiere of ‘Happy Feet’
Brittany Murphy arrives at the premiere of Happy Feet at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on Nov. 12, 2006. Murphy not only provided her speaking voice to play the character Gloria, she also did her own singing, belting out tunes like Queen’s classic “Somebody to Love.”
Elijah Wood & Brittany Murphy with a Penguin
Elijah Wood and Brittany Murphy got up close and personal with one of the creatures portrayed in their film Happy Feet. The two stars totally fawned over this sweet penguin at the Hapy Feet premiere.
Brittany Murphy at the Carolina Herrera Boutique Opening
Brittany Murphy arrives for a cocktail party celebrating the opening of the Carolina Herrera Los Angeles Boutique and raising funds for The Revlon/UCLA Breast Center on Nov. 13, 2006, in Los Angeles. She looked so stunning at the event.
Brittany Murphy at the 16th Annual Gotham Awards
Brittany Murphy showed her flair for fashion once again when she arrived to the 16th Annual Gotham Awards on Nov. 29, 2006, in New York. Her LBD was yet another timeless look.
Brittany Murphy Takes the Runway
Brittany Murphy on the runway at DSquared’s fall 2006 menswear show. She had a blast with designers Dan Caten and Dean Caten, who were friends of the actress.
Brittany Murphy at the Motorola 9th Anniversary Party
Brittany Murphy arrives at the Motorola 9th annual anniversary party in Los Angeles on Nov. 8, 2007. We got some majorClueless vibes just from this photo!
Brittany Murphy at the 2007 Vanity Fair Oscars Party
Brittany Murphy looked radiant and as classic as ever at the Vanity Fair party after the 81st Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles.
Brittany Murphy at the Max Azria Fall 2008 Runway Show
Brittany Murphy attended Max Azria’s fall 2008 runway show at Bryant Park’s Tent in New York City and looked so fashionable, rocking layered necklaces and quintessential late aughts look.