Born in Ottawa in 1986, Annie Murphy is a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry. Known for her work as an actress, producer, and writer, she has captivated audiences worldwide. Learn more about the life, iconic roles, and intriguing facts about Anne Frances Murphy, as detailed by ottawanka.com.
Life in Ottawa
Annie was born in Ottawa, Ontario, to a family of teachers and is of Irish descent. In an interview, she shared that her passion for acting was sparked by her love of reading. As a child, she was troubled by the idea of living just one life. Books allowed her to experience the lives of different characters, and acting became a natural extension of this desire.
She attended Elmwood School in Ottawa, an independent day school for girls aged 4–18, located in Rockcliffe Park. There, she participated in numerous theatrical productions.
Later, she enrolled at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, one of Canada’s most prestigious institutions. However, Annie attended for only one year before transferring to Concordia University in Montreal, where she earned a degree in Theatre Performance.
Her next step was training at the Canadian Film Centre’s Actor Conservatory, where she honed her acting skills before interning at another prestigious Canadian institution.
Although Annie enjoyed her time in Montreal, she found limited acting opportunities. At 22, she decided to move beyond Ottawa—and Canada entirely—relocating to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of an acting career.
Challenges in Her Career
The film industry is known for its fierce competition, and Annie Murphy faced numerous professional setbacks after moving to Los Angeles. She rented a room from a stranger and described this period as the “saddest and loneliest” time in her life.
Iconic Roles
Annie Murphy gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Alexis Rose in CBC’s hit sitcom Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020). Her performance in this Canadian series earned her a 2020 Primetime Emmy Award. In the show, the Rose family relocates to a small town, where Alexis experiences personal growth and transformation, evolving into an ambitious career-driven woman by the series’ end. Fans cherished Annie’s portrayal of Alexis, particularly during moments of love, loss, and personal development.
Annie also received critical acclaim and accolades for her lead role in AMC’s dark comedy series Kevin Can F** Himself* (2021–2022).
Other notable works include:
- Story of Jen (2008)
- Lick (2010)
- Overwatch (2012)
- A Windigo Tale (2010)
- Ruby’s Cracker (2023)
Life Lessons from Annie Murphy
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Annie shared several personal lessons:
- Take risks to find love. Alexis, her character on Schitt’s Creek, often took bold risks in love, breaking out of her comfort zone.
- Don’t stress about mastering home cooking. Annie emphasizes that while food is important, it doesn’t matter if you prepare it yourself or order takeout. She experiments with recipes when she has time.
- Let go of the past. Annie encourages people to move forward without dwelling on previous mistakes.
- Dance for healing. Even if you think you can’t dance, Annie believes in the therapeutic power of movement.
Her charisma and magnetic personality have made her a beloved figure and an inspiring voice for her fans.
Personal Life
Annie Murphy has been married to musician Menno Versteeg since August 2011. A member of the indie rock band Hollerado, Menno also hails from Ottawa, Ontario. He is six years older than Annie, and they share a deep connection, having grown up in the same city.
In 2013, the couple experienced a house fire, losing most of their belongings but escaping unharmed.
Menno Versteeg owns Royal Mountain Records, a Toronto-based record label. After 20 years of touring, he shifted his focus to mentoring emerging artists, offering them insights from his experiences.
Annie calls Menno her “forever choice.” The couple has openly discussed their shared struggles with depression, prompting Menno to establish a fund to provide psychiatric care for artists signed to his label.
In 2020, Annie and Menno collaborated on the cult hit Schitt’s Creek original song, A Little Bit Alexis. Menno and a friend composed the melody, while Annie wrote the lyrics.
Interesting Facts About Annie Murphy
- Singing Talent: Annie has a beautiful singing voice, showcased in several projects.
- Engagement with Fans: She connects with fans through social media, sharing personal moments and updates on her acting projects.
- Animal Advocate: Annie uses her platform to promote animal welfare and raise awareness.
- Theatrical Roots: Before transitioning to screen acting, she performed extensively in theatre.
- Versatility: Her talents shine in shows like Blue Mountain State and Flashpoint, and she appeared in the music video for Thinking of a Place by The War on Drugs.
- Multilingual: Fluent in English and French, she is also known for her unique and chic fashion sense.
- Philanthropy: Annie supports various charities and frequently participates in fundraising events.
- Love for Travel: She enjoys exploring new places and immersing herself in different cultures.
- Gardening Enthusiast: Annie jokes about opening a flower shop if her acting career ever falters.
- Tribute Tattoo: She has a tattoo of James Maitland Stewart’s silhouette, inspired by his impact on her, particularly through his performance in Harvey.
Annie Murphy’s exceptional talent and magnetic charm have won her millions of fans. Recognized as one of the most promising actresses of her time, her journey serves as an inspiring example for aspiring performers. She continues to take on challenging and diverse roles, captivating audiences worldwide.
