L.A. police investigate death of Brittany Murphy

Los Angeles police have opened an investigation into circumstances surrounding the death of actress Brittany Murphy.

Police have been dispatched to Cedars-Sinai and to the Los Angeles home where Murphy, 32, went into cardiac arrest earlier today. Police sources emphasized that their inquiry was preliminary, adding they could not say whether it would point to any criminal conduct. [Note: An earlier version of this post incorrectly said the house was located in West Hollywood.]

L.A. city firefighters responded to a call from the home in the 1800 block of Rising Glen Road. Murphy was transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

Born in Atlanta, Murphy moved to Burbank with her mother at age 13. Her film break came in the movie "Clueless" (1995), in which she starred opposite Alicia Silverstone.

Murphy has made dozens of other film appearances, including in "Girl Interrupted" (1999), "8 Mile" (2002), "The Dead Girl" (2006), and "Across the Hall" (2009). She also was featured as the voice of Luanne in the animated TV series "King of the Hill."

Murphy specialized in playing characters who were troubled teenagers or mentally disturbed, according to a biography on industry website Internet Movie Data Base.

Murphy was married in 2007 to British screenwriter Simon Monjack, the website said.

-- Andrew Blankstein and Ching-Ching Ni

Photo: Brittany Murphy at New York Fashion Week in February 2008. Credit: Peter Kramer / Associated Press

Related:

Brittany Murphy gallery: Photos from the actress' career

Comments

[Boils]

My gut: she was on cocaine.

[Bianca]

I don't believe in that! Murphy was a perfect person and I loved your jobs! I'm speechless... I missed her ! ): Rest In Peace! I love her ! So much <3

[Natalie Beck]

I don't think it is right for people to speculate as to the cause of Brittany Murphy's death -- prescription drugs, anorexia -- none of you know that, and you shouldn't start a rumor mill. Just because you have a right to your opinion doesn't mean that you always should voice it. What about the basic human decency of keeping your thoughts to yourselves? I don't think her family appreciates all of these speculations about the cause of death of their loved one. Please let the medical examiners determine how she died -- it is really none of our business. What concerns all of us, though is that a young, talented actress has died. That should be a reminder for all of us who are still here and still young to realize the seriousness of life. The truth is that death does not discriminate -- it can visit anyone at any time. Brittany Murphy's passing should be a life lesson to us all that we need to live every moment to the fullest. If we have been blessed with natural talents, it means we need to use them -- as much and often as we possibly can. Suddenly, it is too late. Her passing is like an artistic light going out...

[brandon gursky]

"""""""FOR REAL , THE BEST,""""""not right.

[Erica]

I want to say to all that were close to her.... May you find comfort and peace during this saddened moment.. I loved her movies, and talent. more so her laughter and carefree attitude toward the world. She owned the stage.. She is deeply missed by many, inlcuding me.. May god bless her family and loved ones...

[Ricardo Salles (Brazil)]

I have not opportunity to know her, but I loved when she was acting. She will be good actress, forever and ever. I will miss you as his fan. She is so talented to play drama and comedy. My thoughts and prayers are with her soul, husband and family. God bless you.

[Alex]

Her portrayals were so engaging and real I felt like she just jumped off the screen. It’s time to change Hollywood culture so that bright lights like Brittany get the privacy and down time to be normal and live their lives. What people like Brittany pay in stress and invasion of privacy is not right and is not constitutional. These wonderful people are treated like communal property and it has to stop. I'm sad for her and us.

[Natalie DeJohn]

Heart attack at 32? So bizarre and so sad.

[Jordynn]

ii feel soo bahd for her!! age 32 wow.. R.I.P mamass! so beautiful and soo youngg! ilove that movie uptown girl that she played in! 8 mile is also a good movie! haa &nd king of the hill! she iss such a rolee model,..! muchh luhv for her &nd herr family! imm sorry that iht wass yur time 2 goo!! buht thiink of all yur fanss and family whoo will always luhv youu and no that yur there and ok.,, and thiink off iht this way at least yur in a safee spott and no 1 can hurtt youu! evenn tho ii dont know youu ii luhv you! :)

[Rick]

It is very sad for a 32 year old to drop dead like this. My friend found a recent picture of her on google and she just looked way to thin.

[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 had health issues in the past with diabetes and other issues from my understanding. Before others jump to conclusions about the cause of her death, 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

[Isabella Richard]

This is such a shock to me as to everyone else.Britney was such a Beautiful amazing actessand died way to soon. Iwish her family,friends,and fans my sympothy through the hard times and trough the Holidays wihout there precious Britney.

You wil never be forgotten and will be sadly missd by many.

From your fans in Lousiana:)

[kendy]

regards to Natalie Beck comment:

thats why they invented blogs, so people can express there views and opinions, much the same as what your doing. so get over yourself and understand that people don't up and die @ 32 years old...of course there is going to be speculation. and when you look as thin as she does, she didn't appear to be taking very good care of herself.

just an observation, so take it for what its worth.

[Bethany Oliver]

I am so devistated bout Brittany passing. I cannot believe it, Brit I had so much fun hanging with u at the Dan Band. You were such an amazing person, we got along so well, and you were the sweetest person. You will be missed so much, me and my family will miss you so much. We love you Brit. R.I.P

[Kim]

Britney has always intrigued me and she seems to have that certain something that just draws people to her. She was highly talented, vivacious, charming, real, fun-loving, and beautiful inside and out. This is a loss for everyone that has had the pleasure of meeting her and those that now have the misfortune of never having the chance to know her. My deepest sympathies to those closest to her. She was adored and will be missed! R.I.P.

[shay]

May God bless her family. It's very sad.

[Della SoAnxious Crosby-Ford]

I just cant believe this!!!!!! She was one of my favorite actresses....Y is everybody passing away in the year "2009"? I will truely miss you Brittany Murphy.....may u rest in peace in a better place.....you will never be forgotten!!!!

live your life to the fullest.....no room for hatred..life is too short....lets not be reminded of the tragedy but the good and fun times...always with love
Della SoAnxious Crosby-Ford

[Sheri]

Brittnay's family are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time

[Chris]

Dear Brittany Murphy,

I loved your work. I always looked forward to what kookiness you would bring to your roles. Because you always brought originality AND yourself. That is special. And every time I saw you in a film, I would always think to myself that you were going to grow be one hell of an actress as you got older and wiser.

You made me laugh out loud in 'Clueless' when I was just a clueless teen myself. I will never, ever forget you sitting on that huge sofa at Cher's house, your feet not even able to touch the ground, singing the 'mentos' jingle along with the TV. It was always a moment that made me laugh. Each and every time I watched it. To this day, if I see 'Clueless' playing on TV, I will always watch that scene and remember my youth and smile.

For that, Brittany, I thank you, I admire you, and mostly I wish that life had played out differently for you. Ashton was right - you were a little ray of sunshine. And if for whatever reason you were not able to see that about yourself, just know that a lot of us did see that in you.

You will be remembered. And you will be missed.

Your friend,

Chris

[Ericka Munoz]

May god be with you.I'm so hurt inside to know that your gone my tears just run down my face and i feel so bad.You'll always be in my heart.

[angie]

rip what a talented actress whos life was cut short! may your family and friends find strength to move forward in there time of mourning! best wishes to you all!

[Lois]

Britany..i cried so hard whn i heard u hd gn.i startd lvn u afta i wtchd ur movie'the ramen gal'.ur ectasii 4 actn got mi atrctd.i'l mis u britany..i'l mis u...lois nigeria

[Bexy Abrams]

I am so sad about Britney Murphy. She was my hero in "Clueless." I just watched her in the lifetime movie "Tribute" and it made me feel better. You can watch it for free at http://www.mylifetime.com/movies/nora-roberts-tribute/video.

[Ernest]

I loved you very much, Brittany, very much. May Jehovah remember you. If Brittany had been an actress from the Black and White era, she WOULD have been an Audrey Hepburn of the times. Too bad politics washes through Hollywood sweeping aside beauty and talent to promote(give OTHER actresses) self centered bigotry. Brittany SHOULD have been given more, better ACTING rolls. God's speed, Brittany. Love and peace.

[Anjuli]

Im suprised u noe i never knew your name but i was watching the news a 6:00 or so and i seen your pictures i said "Thats my idol daddy my favorite actress has passed " and yeah for a young girl you were my only inspiring actress i had left .... but now when i heard i was crying tears fall on my keyboard as i type ILY I LOVE YOU BRITTANY MURPHY