BRITTANY MURPHY TRIBUTE (1977-2009): We Remember

Twelve years ago today, we lost one of the most promising young actresses of her generation, Brittany Murphy. A Hollywood vet, she was only thirty-two years old when she passed away, but she left behind a rich legacy. From her early days as a sidekick to Alicia Silverstone in Clueless to some scene-stealing turns in director-to-video gems Drive (starring Mark Dacascos) and Phoenix (starring Ray Liotta) to her breakthrough roles in Girl, Interrupted and Don’t Say a Word, Murphy was an extremely versatile actress. She also became one of the biggest rom-com stars of the 2000’s thanks to roles in hits like Just Married (opposite Ashton Kutcher), Uptown Girls, and Little Black Book. She also dipped into more serious fare with an acclaimed turn as Eminem’s love interest in 8 Mile, plus a role in Sin City. Her death led to many questions about how Hollywood casting practices put a ridiculous amount of pressure on young actresses. A few months later, her husband Simon Monjack’s passing led to more seedy s