Watch rare footage of Brittany Murphy picking out her favourite VHS tapes
Hollywood might be one of the most illustrious industries to succeed in, but it has also produced its fair share of tragedies. Many actors have died prematurely, from Marilyn Monroe to River Phoenix, often leaving behind a short yet impressive oeuvre, their deaths becoming highly publicised due to their celebrity status.
One of the most tragic celebrity deaths of the 2000s came in 2009 when Brittany Murphy, who began her career as a teenager, was found dead after suffering from pneumonia. Alongside the condition, the autopsy revealed that multiple drug intoxication from legal substances, as well as anaemia, contributed to her death at the age of just 32.
Hollywood was rocked upon hearing the news; the actor had already achieved success through critically acclaimed leading and supporting roles, clearly harnessing a bright future ahead of her. There has been a lot of conspiracy surrounding her death, especially due to the death of her husband, Simon Monjack, the following year from pneumonia and anaemia.
In her short life, Murphy starred in many 1990s and 2000s classics, receiving her breakthrough role in the romantic comedy Clueless, directed by Amy Heckerling. Playing the loveable tomboy Tai, whom Alicia Silverstone’s Cher picks as her new makeover project, the actor received praise for her multi-faceted and humorous performance.
Later in the ‘90s, she proved her comedic abilities further with a role in the satirical comedy Drop Dead Gorgeous while also showing herself to be just as capable of serious dramatic roles through films like Girl, Interrupted. In the 2000s, Murphy could be seen in movies ranging from Uptown Girls to Happy Feet and 8 Mile.
Back in 2004, she teamed up with MTV to pick out some of her favourite VHS tapes at the long-gone video rental chain Blockbuster. With a bright and easy-going attitude – she even cartwheels through the aisles – the video is a clear indicator of why Murphy’s death was such a significant loss for many.
Her first pick was Never Been Kissed, with Murphy stating, “I would recommend any Drew Barrymore film. They’re all very happy. I like to rent happy movies.” Another rom-com pick came in the form of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, with Murphy calling it “an incredible classic”. She couldn’t leave the comedy aisle without highlighting The Wedding Singer, emphasising the fact it stars both Barrymore and Adam Sandler: “I mean, you can’t beat this,” Murphy said. “This is a perfect rental.”
Continuing her selections, Murphy called Superstar, starring Molly Shannon, “the best comedy that I’ve seen in a really long time,” adding: “This is really funny. You have to rent this.” Murphy also declared her love for Reality Bites, starring one of her “favourite actresses and friends,” Winona Ryder, calling it “priceless and timeless,” adding, “It pretty much captures the Gen X generation“.
Some of Murphy’s other choices included Big, Beverly Hills Cop and Shrek, although she wasn’t afraid to enter the drama section, too. Here, she picked out two Bob Fosse works – Cabaret and All That Jazz, calling the former “the best World War Two film ever made.” Labelling both as “in my top three favourites,” she urged anyone with a “pulse” to rent them.
Watch the full video below.
