Why Audrey Hepburn Was Brittany Murphy’s Greatest Inspiration—And How She Embodied It on Screen

Brittany Murphy, a beloved actress known for her roles in Clueless (1995), Girl, Interrupted (1999), and 8 Mile (2002), passed away tragically in 2009 at the age of 32. While her career was cut short, Murphy’s admiration for Audrey Hepburn, the iconic British actress and humanitarian, is a theme that resonates throughout her work and personal life. Through interviews and her film roles, Murphy expressed a deep connection to Hepburn, not only as a fashion and cinema legend but as a role model for humanitarian efforts.

Murphy’s Admiration for Hepburn: Fashion and Humanitarian Legacy

In a 2007 interview with the Spanish news agency Efe, conducted in Los Angeles, Brittany Murphy revealed her reverence for Audrey Hepburn, describing her as a “fashion and cinema icon” whose legacy “endures to our days.” Murphy also acknowledged Hepburn’s humanitarian work, emphasizing her admiration for the actress’s dedication to UNICEF, where she focused on helping children in need. This sentiment reflects a strong alignment with Murphy’s own philanthropic endeavors, which included supporting homeless causes. Murphy viewed Hepburn as an inspiration, not just for her acting, but for her ability to balance a successful career with a deep commitment to making a difference in the world.

Murphy’s admiration for Hepburn transcended mere aesthetics; it was rooted in the multi-faceted influence Hepburn had on both film and society. In interviews, Murphy spoke of Hepburn’s timeless style, her grace, and her philanthropic spirit, considering these qualities to be essential models in both her personal and professional life.

Hepburn’s Influence on Murphy’s Role in “Love and Other Disasters”

One of the most notable ways Murphy channeled her admiration for Hepburn was through her performance in Love and Other Disasters (2006), a romantic comedy directed by Alek Keshishian. In the film, Murphy portrayed Emily “Jacks” Jackson, an American intern working in London at British Vogue. The character’s whimsical charm and fashionable demeanor were clearly influenced by Hepburn’s portrayal of Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961). Critics, including those on Swishandflicks, drew direct comparisons between Murphy’s character and Hepburn’s iconic role, noting that Murphy’s portrayal was consciously modeled after the elegance and style of Golightly, the quintessential Hepburn character.

Murphy’s physical transformation for the role—replacing her platinum blonde hair with a dark, sophisticated style—further highlighted her dedication to embodying Hepburn’s look. She even watched Breakfast at Tiffany’s multiple times to study Hepburn’s performance and capture the essence of the character. This homage not only reflected her admiration for Hepburn’s fashion but also her ability to channel the emotional complexity of the character, which was central to both Hepburn’s and Murphy’s performances.

Humanitarian Legacy and Personal Connections

Beyond her film roles, Murphy’s connection to Hepburn was also personal. It was revealed in the 2021 HBO Max documentary What Happened, Brittany Murphy? that her husband, Simon Monjack, gave her a replica of Hepburn’s iconic tiara from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, underscoring the actress’s lasting influence on Murphy’s life. This gesture served as a poignant reminder of the deep respect Murphy had for Hepburn, both as an artist and as a humanitarian.

Murphy’s own commitment to social causes mirrored Hepburn’s, with both women using their platforms to give back to society. While Hepburn’s work with UNICEF is globally recognized, Murphy’s advocacy for homelessness also made a difference in the lives of those in need. The parallels between the two women’s careers and their shared passion for philanthropy add depth to Murphy’s admiration for Hepburn.

Legacy and Posthumous Recognition

Though Brittany Murphy’s life and career were tragically cut short, her admiration for Audrey Hepburn remains an integral part of her legacy. Murphy’s on-screen tributes to Hepburn, such as her role in Love and Other Disasters, and the personal mementos like the tiara given to her by Monjack, serve as lasting markers of her admiration. In a sense, Murphy’s tribute to Hepburn lives on in her own work and the personal values she embraced, offering a poignant reminder of the enduring influence of one of Hollywood’s greatest icons.

As we remember Brittany Murphy, it’s clear that Audrey Hepburn’s legacy not only shaped Murphy’s career but also left a lasting impression on her life. Through her admiration for Hepburn’s elegance, grace, and commitment to helping others, Murphy’s own legacy continues to reflect the qualities she most admired in her idol.