Brittany Murphy, an exceptionally talented actress and singer, passed away on December 20, 2009, after a brief illness. Born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1977, she later moved to Edison, New Jersey to pursue her ambitions. Brittany achieved success as an actress and singer at an early age. She graduated from Edison High School in 1995, and almost immediately began securing leading or pivotal roles in a number of notable films and television shows, including Clueless, 8 Mile, Don't Say a Word, Drop Dead Gorgeous, and Uptown Girls. Though early success seemed to come quickly and easily, she consistently worked in the field for many years, ultimately appearing over 60 films. In addition to her acting, Brittany was also a talented singer, having worked in the music industry since 1998. She sang several songs for the soundtracks of several films, including Happy Feet and Sin City, and also recorded a few solo albums. Throughout her career, Brittany worked with top actors and directors, such as Alicia Silverstone, Eminem, Dame Judi Dench, Bruce Willis, and Quentin Tarantino. She received several awards, recognizing her varied accomplishments in the entertainment industry, and her work captured the hearts of her fans. Brittany will be remembered for her talent, her drive for success, and her committed and hardworking attitude. She is survived by her mother, Sharon Murphy.