Brittany Murphy dies at 32; young Hollywood reacts

Hollywood expressed its condolences Sunday after the death this morning of actress Brittany Murphy. Public wishes came from the likes of ex-beau and costar Ashton Kutcher, Eliza Dushku, Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Simpson (who called her "an incredible ray of Light"), Alyssa Milano, Fred Durst, Soleil Moon Frye and Kim Kardashian, among others. 

Her "Clueless" costar Alicia Silverstone told People that although the two hadn't stayed in close touch, "I feel love in my heart for her -- and hope she is at peace. This is truly sad."

Murphy, 32, had just recently talked to "Access Hollywood," touching on her return to work after a three-year break and on spending time with her family, and sharing her New Year's resolution: "I'd love to have a child next year -- but that's kind of a large one."

Though foul play is not suspected, TMZ reports, Brittany's death is being investigated, which means that despite screenwriter husband Simon Monjack's wishes to the contrary, an autopsy will be performed. Toxicology reports won't be back for several weeks.

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Her family issued a statement Sunday: "In this time of sadness, the family thanks you for your love and  support. It is their wish that you respect their privacy."

Brittany was, of course, known for her roles in projects such as "Just Married," "8 Mile" "Happy Feet," and "Clueless."  Her longest-running role? For 13 years, she was the voice of Luanne on "King of the Hill."

The Ministry has two top Brittany Murphy moments -- the ones that created that soft spot we have for her in our heart -- though you may have your own from among her best-known roles. Remember, these are from a fan's point of view, not a critic's.

First: Her super-hot chemistry with Eminem in "8 Mile" fairly jumped off the screen (you know the, ahem, interaction we're talking about, and it's not the scene at left, where they're chatting). Yowza. If you saw that, you'll never get Brittany out of your mind.

And second, our favorite (and we're not alone): The party scene from 1995's "Clueless," where as the crushing-on-a-boy Tai she did that little "rolling with the homies" hand-dance and singalong. She was only 18 at the time, and beyond adorable.

We can't find video of it except for one low-quality, non-synched version that someone clearly slammed up today to take advantage of the actress' death, so we're not going to post that. (Others online are jumping to various conclusions about Brittany's cause of death, and we're not going there just yet, either.)

G'head, play that "Clueless" scene in your mind's eye -- we dare you not to smile.

Sad stuff.

-- Christie D'Zurilla

Photos, from top: Brittany Murphy poses with a penguin at the European premiere of "Happy Feet" on Nov. 26, 2006. Eminem and Brittany in a scene from "8 Mile." Credits, from top: Max Nash / Associated Press; Eli Reed / Universal Studios.

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Comments

[Your Fans]

"Rolling with the homies..." xoxo

[-Sapphiree]

-AWWWWW;
poorthinqq;

all these deaths nn 2009;
what year;

butt R.I.P
Britney Murphey!!

[Dano]

this is very sad news and i'm very sorry to hear this. such a gifted actress who played her character roles with depth and passion, i count her among my all-time favorites. i'll miss the shining light in her eyes...

[NorCalGal4]

Just watched Brittany Murphy on DVD in "Ramen Girl" - she did a credible job. Convincingly played a spunky survivor-type young woman who dreams of becoming a ramen chef. What a tragedy for her family and friends, especially during the holidays. Sad...

[Anais]

Come on people 32 isn't that young. In the old days, people used to be considered over the hill at 29. Just because of botox doesn't mean we should ignore this.

[Ashley Young]

I give brittanys family and friends lots of prayers. She was a really good actress I watched all of her movies and loved them all.. she has inspired me a lot.

[bob]

32 man thats sad, too young to die...

[Cheryl Shuman]

I've known Brittany Murphy since I worked with her on Clueless and continued to be acquainted with her over the past several years. She is a lovely young woman, full of grace, kindness and was a ray of sunshine on every movie set or charity event that I've ever encountered with her. I'm deeply saddened and shocked by her death. I'm also angry at the insensitive comments left by some anonymous people accusing her of drug use. Brittany has died of natural causes and has had health issues in the past with asthma and diabetes from my understanding. I would ask that people be respectful of the family, especially her fantastic mother, Sharon. My prayers go out to Brittany and her loved ones during this horrible tragedy. God bless you Brittany, you are already tremendously loved and missed.
Respectfully,
Cheryl Shuman
Executive Director
Beverly Hills NORML90210
http://www.NORML90210.org

[apasolini]

Brittany was so cool, she will be missed.

[Deanna Parker]

I am in utter disbelief we truly have lost a great actress funny and beautiful. Personally I feel every movie she ever did was outstanding but the devils Arithmatic was my favorite.Hearing of her death literaly caused a deep sorrow within my soul. Although this will be extremly hard on her family right now I can only pray that the Lord comforts them and knowing that their daughter was so special that God chose her to come home to him to celebrate his birthday with him and the angels. My heart goes out to the family. God Bless!!

[Heather Daniele]

When I heard the news about her death I was in total shock. Although, I have never met her and was just a fan. I'm sad about this enormous lost to Hollywood. She was defiantly one of my favorites. I was young when clueless came out have to say it has always been my # 1 movie. I will definitely miss seeing her beautiful face and amazing talent. RIP Brittany!

[Ani Oh]

WOW! I can't believe it....what is up with all these great stars dying this year?! And SO young and talented....it's really a great shame. Condolences to the family and just know that your loved one will be missed and greatly remembered by many. :o(

[Erica Suarez]

I cannot believe brittany murphy is dead is very sad and she was wonderful, I loved clueless. My blessings go to her husband and family.

[Ashling]

The passing of Brittany is such a shame. I feel terrible for her family who is left behind. I lit a virtual candle in her memory at Tributes.com - http://www.tributes.com/show/Brittany-Murphy-87453588. May she rest in peace. ♥

[CDZ from the Ministry]

This is Christie D'Zurilla from the Ministry -- a reminder that we don't publish profanity/obscenity. Thanks.

[Steph]

I'm slightly appalled by the negative comments on here regarding someone's death. Yes, she was an actress, but more importantly, she was a human being. I don't understand why someone would come onto this site and leave a comment like "big deal" or imply that somehow her life was less valuable because YOU didn't appreciate her acting. I'm hoping you're not reading the obituaries daily just for the thrill of degrading someone that's deceased.

[A Nobody]

Very sad abouther death. I loved her voicing Luanne. On the flipside, it doesn't bother you that some famous person gets all the attention, but some homeless person death is never known? I would not come on to some site to just say "big deal" like someone else has. But don't point out the speck in someone else's eye and ignore the plank in your own eye.

[aremmy]

Can't believe it, she was so young, to me she was a great actress

Love her work in uptown girls, Little black book

[Ashley]

People need to grow up forreal. You don't have to come on posts like this and leave hateful comments just because you're heartless. Whether you liked her or not she lost her life. Give her a freaking break. If you wanna take your hate out on something get a d*** journal or something. And I honestly think the world has lost a great thing losing Brittany. She was amazing in all her movies. No matter what anyone thinks you can at least have a heart for a family hurting. And if you are so heartless that this could mean nothing to you then why would you even waste the strength it takes to type out a hate comment. Grow up and talk to a therapist or something.

[Michael]

So sad to hear that Brittany Murphy past away. Condolences to her family. RIP
Michael

[Janice]

Brittany was so beautiful and talented. That kind of talent is so rare in Hollywood. So sad, she was so young!

[Ryan]

Thoughts and prayers go out to her family. RIP Brittany Murphy!

[Standa from Czech Republic]

R.I.P. Brittny ...we love you forever

[amy]

Very saddened by the news of her death. She was very talented and I loved her movies. RIP Britt
I am also very annoyed that eminem hasn't responded publicly about her passing.

[julie]

She was so great, in every movie !!! She was, so pretty too !! I had a pretty sister who died a couple years ago. She was, a year younger.but they are in a better place now. it does, get better. It still very, hard to see her gone she had 3 wonderful kids !!!! She was, my bestfriend. !!!

LOVE, JULIE