On December 20, 2009, tragedy struck as 32-year-old Brittany Murphy was discovered deceased in her home’s bathroom. An autopsy determined that pneumonia was the cause of her death. Just five months later, on May 23, 2010, her husband Simon Monjack passed away from a similar ailment.
Murphy and Monjack exchanged vows in April 2007, shortly after they began dating. The couple maintained a low profile and seldom appeared in public together, with Monjack reportedly limiting Murphy’s direct communication with others within her circle.
Remembering Brittany Murphy as a radiant talent taken too soon
In the lead-up to Monjack’s death, concerns about his influence over Murphy intensified as allegations surfaced regarding his controlling behavior toward both the actress and her mother, Sharon.
Some of Murphy’s co-stars from her final film, Something Wicked, shared troubling observations about her well-being before her untimely death. Katie O’Grady recalled Murphy’s fragile condition during the summer of 2009 when the film was shot, just six months prior to her passing.
“There was a collective awareness among those around her that she was experiencing difficulties,” O’Grady stated. Monjack, who was eight years older than Murphy, remained glued to her side on set, creating an environment where the actress felt isolated from her fellow cast members.
“It was hard to overlook his presence; he was always with her between takes and in the trailer,” O’Grady remarked. “He seemed to feel the need to protect her, limiting access for others.” O’Grady attributed Monjack’s protective nature to Murphy’s deteriorating health and noted that his actions went beyond typical support, as he assumed an unconventional role during production.
At one point, Monjack took charge of Murphy’s hair and makeup, opting to do it himself rather than allowing the professional stylists to handle it. “When I arrived on set, it was clear that they were a team,” she explained. “It was unusual to see an actor’s husband performing hair and makeup duties, but that was the case during my time there.”
Trista Jordan, the makeup artist for Something Wicked, recounted a chaotic first day of filming in the 2021 documentary What Happened, Brittany Murphy?. “Simon had used a red lipstick to create a clown-like effect, drawing outside her natural lip line. Her blush was uneven, and her hair appeared unkempt,” she described.
The haunting story of Brittany and Simon reveals a troubling love story
Jordan also noted Monjack’s lack of professionalism, explaining that part of her job involved monitoring the actors’ appearances during filming, but Monjack was preoccupied, appearing almost catatonic. “I snapped my fingers to get his attention, but he didn’t even react,” she said.
Another co-star from Something Wicked, October Moore, indirectly encountered Monjack due to his constant presence on set, which she believed may have posed challenges for Murphy during filming.
While the cameras rolled, Monjack often isolated himself, sitting alone without engaging much with others, Moore shared. O’Grady observed that Monjack remained central to Murphy’s world. “They seemed to need their time alone,” she noted.
While the cast socialized, Murphy was frequently kept apart with Monjack. Although she did not exhibit visible signs of illness, O’Grady remarked on her evident fatigue and fragility, as Murphy devoted her dwindling energy to her performance.
“She was determined to deliver her best and poured what little energy she had into her work, even simple tasks like walking to the set seemed overwhelming for her at times,” O’Grady added. Following Murphy’s death, Monjack consistently denied any wrongdoing and rejected allegations that he had prevented her from seeking medical help.
What Happened, Brittany Murphy? explored Monjack’s past, featuring interviews with his mother, brother, and former fiancée, who claimed he abandoned her during pregnancy. The documentary, now available on Max, portrays Monjack as a manipulative figure who exploited a struggling actress.
“He was a disturbed individual skilled in deception, and Brittany became one of his last victims,” director Cynthia Hill told PEOPLE in October 2021. “The more research we conducted, the clearer the pattern of behavior became.”
Monjack exerted total control over Murphy’s life. Personal trainer Harley Pasternak recalled how Monjack had brought Murphy to the gym, but he quickly sensed something was amiss. When he sought to communicate with her team, he learned they had all been dismissed.
“Simon became her agent, manager, and lawyer, and everything had to go through him,” Pasternak recounted. “We were worried because we couldn’t contact her directly. Only Simon had a phone.” Journalist Amber Ryland noted that Monjack even had the landlines disconnected, making it impossible for anyone to reach either Murphy or her mother, who lived with them.
While the circumstances of her demise were tragic, Murphy’s co-stars choose to remember the beauty of her spirit. “Regardless of what challenges she faced, Brittany was a consummate professional — she made everyone’s job easier by being prepared, punctual, easy to direct, and kind,” Moore reflected. “She put me at ease and had an effervescent sweetness.”
O’Grady added, “When I think of her, I remember a delicate bird, sweet and special, yet so fragile and deserving of every grand adventure life could offer. Sadly, her path did not lead to the bright future that seemed so possible.”
