Elisa Donovan, renowned for her role in the classic film *Clueless*, recently shared her reflections on her late co-star, Brittany Murphy, during an interview on the podcast *Still Here Hollywood*. The conversation, which aired on September 21, delved into the pair’s time on set, as well as the troubling signs Donovan noticed in Murphy before her untimely passing in 2009 at the age of 32.
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In *Clueless*, released in 1995, Murphy played Tai, a transfer student who receives a makeover at the hands of Cher, portrayed by Alicia Silverstone. Donovan starred as Amber, Cher’s rival, creating a vibrant dynamic that contributed to the film’s enduring popularity. Donovan recounted a specific incident backstage involving Murphy that highlighted her co-star’s eclectic personality. During a visit to the hair and makeup trailer, Murphy insisted on conducting her own touch-up but ended up burning her head with a curling iron. This minor mishap encapsulated Murphy’s spirited approach to her work, which Donovan described as “frenetic” and likened to “a hummingbird”.
Though *Clueless* marked the beginning of a successful career for Murphy, it was also during these early years that Donovan began to worry about her well-being. After speaking with their mutual hairdresser, Donovan learned of concerning signs regarding Murphy’s health, but felt hesitant to intervene as she did not consider herself close enough to take action. Reflecting on her last encounter with Murphy at the GLAAD Awards in 2005, Donovan noted the signs of Murphy’s declining health: “Her knees were buckling. Her legs were shaking.” Concerned, Donovan questioned her about her condition, to which Murphy reassured her everything was fine, although Donovan felt otherwise.
Later, the two women interacted again backstage, leaving Donovan with a sense of foreboding regarding Murphy’s state. Having previously spoken openly about her own battles with an eating disorder, Donovan couldn’t help but draw parallels between her struggles and what she perceived were Murphy’s. “I was looking at her and I thought, ‘She has an eating disorder and she has a drug problem,’” Donovan recalled. Despite her concern, she felt out of place attempting to intervene, pondering whether she could step in as a “saviour”.
Donovan also observed a noticeable shift in Murphy’s career trajectory over the years. “This business will let you fail,” she stated, recognising that the industry often holds onto individuals until they are unable to perform. She felt saddened by the diminishing roles available to Murphy, attributing it to the pressures of Hollywood, where personal struggles can go unchecked until they become insurmountable.
When news of Murphy’s death broke shortly before Christmas in 2009, Donovan expressed feelings of profound sadness. “I wasn’t surprised,” she admitted, stating that the circumstances surrounding Murphy’s health had not instilled optimism in her. The official cause of Murphy’s death was ruled as accidental due to pneumonia, following a brief illness characterised by flu-like symptoms.
In the wake of her passing, Brittany Murphy became the subject of intense speculation and conspiracy theories about her death. However, Donovan dismissed these theories, asserting that Murphy was unwell before her death, rather than suggesting foul play. At the time of her death, Murphy was married to Simon Monjack, who also died under similar circumstances in the same house just a few months later.
The tragic circumstances of Murphy’s life and death have continued to resonate, with new revelations explored in the 2021 HBO Max documentary *What Happened, Brittany Murphy?*. The exploration of Murphy’s legacy serves as a reminder of the pressures faced by those in the entertainment industry and the importance of mental health awareness.
As Donovan reminisces about their time together, she fondly remembers Murphy’s vibrancy and talent, qualities that undoubtedly made her stand out both on screen and off. While Donovan deeply regrets not having been able to assist Murphy during her struggles, she hopes to honour her memory through her stories, underscoring the need for compassion and understanding in an industry that can be unforgiving.