‘Ew, David!’ Annie Murphy Talks Becoming Alexis Rose, Her Emmys and Life After ‘Schitt’s Creek’
“Ew, David!,” was the phrase she made famous as the hilarious Alexis Rose in Schitt’s Creek — but Annie Murphy is far more than the socialite-turned-down-on-her-luck-publicist she played on the hit series. The Canada-born, 37-year-old actress put in the work before landing her big break on the Canadian sitcom. Here, read all about the life and career of Annie Murphy.
‘Schitt’s Creek’ Cast Then and Now: Catch Up With This Hilarious Crew of Characters
The early career of Annie Murphy
Murphy made her on-screen debut in the 2007 film Lethal Obsession. Television work and a few films were sprinkled into her resume before her Schitt’s Creek debut, including appearances on Blue Mountain State, Rookie Blue, Beauty and the Beast and The Plateaus. However, her career-defining role as Alexis Rose came at just the right time.
MUST-READ: The ‘Beauty and the Beast’ 1987 Romantasy Series Cast, Then and Now
In an interview with Variety, Murphy revealed that she was at a bit of a plateau in her career before landing the role, with the casting processes always seeming to come down to her and someone else, ultimately always going to the other person. And that wasn’t all — her personal life was in a rough spot, with her apartment having recently burnt down.
6 Foxy Celebrity Dads Whose Sons Grew Up to Be Equally Handsome
However, when she received the call from co-creator Eugene Levy (who plays patriarch Johnny Levy and also happens to be the real-life father to Dan Levy, fellow show creator and actor who plays David Rose, Alexis’s brother), she was too afraid to answer. When she finally mustered the courage to call back, Dan Levy picked up the phone and told her the part was hers.
Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for New York Magazine
Annie Murphy in Schitt’s Creek
It’s tough to say what exactly made Alexis Rose so iconic. Whether it was her Californian-bohemian style and aesthetic that clashed directly with her environment, her wild past full of intrigue, adventure and a few life-threatening situations, that signature voice that made everything she said about 10 times funnier or the character development she went through from the start of the show to the end, it’s no wonder she took home the Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a comedy series.
Santiago Felipe/Getty Images
“Alexis is so much a product of her environment,” she told Variety in 2020. “Growing up with all of the insincerity and falseness around her, she became one person. But then plunked into another environment where she had the opportunity to show kindness and sensitivity and independence and intelligence — being in the town gave her the opportunity to figure out who she actually was.”
‘Oh… My… God’ It’s 10 of the Best 90s TV Series That You Can Catch Up On Right Now
What is Annie Murphy doing now?
After Schitt’s Creek, Annie Murphy appeared in series like Russian Doll, Black Mirror and more, and she even lent her voice to the series Praise Petey. Her most recent role was in the 2023 film, Fingernails.
We can’t wait to see what’s next for her!
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Want more entertainment stories? Click through below!
‘Full House’ Cast's Real-Life Romances: See Who's Paired With Who
King Charles 'Wasn't Pleased' With These Kate and William Photos
Brooks Nader on 'DWTS’, Dating, and Staying Motivated in the Spotlight
