Gone too soon: Brittany Murphy
by Fred T. Beeman

Former child actress Brittany Murphy passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2009, at 32, and although the cause hasn't been officially announced by the Los Angeles County Coroner's office (as this is going to press), cardiac arrest is suspected.

Ms. Murphy was born Brittany Bertolotti on November 10, 1977 in Atlanta, Georgia, the daughter of Irish-American and Eastern European Sharon Murphy and Italian-American Angelo Bertolotti. When her parents divorced, Brittany changed her name to her mother's maiden surname and added "Anne" as her new middle name.

Prior to turning 18, she appeared in over 20 TV series episodes, and forged a well-respected career as a singer, dancer and actress, showing everyone that she was equally at home with dramatic roles, as well as comedic presentations. She began her acting career at age 9 on Broadway in the play, "Les Misérables," and was nominated for "Best Leading Female Performer" by the Young Artist Awards for her role of Lisa in the TV movie "David and Lisa" (1998).

On May 5, 2007, she married writer, producer and director, Simon Monjack, who survives her, along with her mother. She had no siblings and no children.

Her life, as full and as rewarding as it was for her, her family, her many friends, co-workers and fans, was as brief as this commentary. We mourn her sudden passing and extend our deepest condolences, respects and sympathies to those who knew (and loved) her.