Annie Murphy Is Bringing Back Alexis Rose (Sort of)
Annie Murphy's latest TV character is just a little bit Alexis.
The Schitt's Creek alum, who won an Emmy for her portrayal of Alexis Rose in the hit sitcom, returned to her "sweet spot" for Freeform's new animated series, Praise Petey.
When it came to voicing the Alexis-like title character, Murphy admittedly didn't bat an eye. "It was like, 'Oh, that's my sweet spot right there. I got that. I got that in my wheelhouse. I can do it,'" the Russian Doll star told Parade in an interview that took place prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike. "It's like an adult version of Alexis Rose in the humor."
The comedy, which premieres July 21 on Freeform, follows a NYC "It Girl" named Petey aka Petra, who ends up taking over her late father's cult. "It is perfectly ridiculous. [Creator] Anna Drezen's brain is so bizarre and weird and out there and dark and funny," Murphy said of Praise Petey. "It's a real wild romp of a show."
While Murphy was happy to bring Alexis' vocal fry back for the animated series, she shared that there "hasn't been any word" on a Schitt's Creek reunion. Like the fans, Murphy is "just waiting," but she and her former co-stars text all the time.
"I'm actually working on inviting myself to Catherine [O'Hara]'s cottage this summer because she's close to Toronto," Murphy said. "I think I'll go knocking on the door."
Continue reading for more from Parade's interview with Annie Murphy.
What was it about Petey and the show itself that drew you to the project?
I mean, it really was [creator, writer and executive producer] Anna. I've been such a fan of Anna's for a long time. I think her humor and her sensibilities kind of line up with mine. The script was so undeniably ridiculous, and I wanted to kind of dive into that world and be able to show up to work in sweatpants and be silly. It was kind of the dream job.
I feel like that's probably a huge perk, going into the booth wearing whatever you want and not having to worry about costumes.
A hundred percent. Just go in looking as schlubby as possible and it's encouraged [laughs].
Are you a big fan of adult cartoons?
I am! I am a big Family Guy, South Park gal. And this show has some of the ridiculousness of those two shows, too. There's definitely like an overlap in those cartoons, for sure.
Well, this one [Praise Petey] is definitely female-driven.
Which isn't what Family Guy and South Park [are]. It's a refreshing change of pace.
Freeform
Your character felt very reminiscent of Alexis Rose. Did you see similarities between the two of them?
Oh, a hundred percent, and that's kind of why I didn't bat an eye. It was like, "Oh, that's my sweet spot right there. I got that. I got that in my wheelhouse. I can do it." It's like an adult version of Alexis Rose in the humor. There's some jokes that wouldn't have made it on to Schitt's Creek, that's for sure.
Related: Annie Murphy Reveals Her Favorite Alexis Rose Story, Plus Her Idea for a Schitt's Creek Spinoff
Did you feel like you were channeling Alexis as you were doing Petey's voice in the booth?
Yeah, I got to bring that vocal fry back, which I had been missing.
Petey is described as a New York City "It Girl." What do you think defines or makes someone an It Girl?
I think to be an It Girl, you have to consider yourself an It Girl. I think it's like a self-designated title. I think you have to, you know, be overly full of confidence and perhaps overly full of yourself as well [laughs].
When I think of It Girls, at least growing up for me, it was Hillary Duff... Was there somebody that you kind of admired, like an It Girl, back then?
That's a good one. I mean, I've always been a big Britney fan. So yeah, I think Britney was kind of always on my radar in terms of being like the girl to watch.
Would you want to be considered an It Girl, or how do you want to be perceived by others?
I would just like to be perceived as a cool dude [laughs]...I just like to be perceived as someone who is, you know, trying to be as comfortable in her own skin as possible and as kind and good to the people around her as possible.
Related: 30 Schitt's Creek Facts
Petey says on the show that she spent her entire life terrified of speaking up because of a lack of sense of self. Like Petey, have you ever felt afraid to speak up?
Oh, a hundred percent. I think that's kind of a common thing...I think that moment, you know, where she has the idea in the boardroom and then she's like, "No, sorry," like apologizing for having thoughts—I think is unfortunately kind of a common experience. I think growing up and getting comfortable in your own skin and getting more confident with articulating your thoughts, it's all part of the process and I'm trying more and more to shimmy and apologize less and less.
When did you start to feel more comfortable in your skin? Was there a turning point?
I'm still working on it. I think it really is kind of like there are good days and bad days and I think, you know, kind of like late 20s, early 30s you start figuring yourself out a little bit more. But yeah, it's still a struggle to have good days every day.
Agree. Going back to the show. Petey's dad leaves her a pretty outrageous gift: a cult. What would you say is the wildest, craziest gift you've ever received?
The craziest gift I've ever received...I haven't really received any insane gifts. My mom when I graduated university got me a trip to London to go visit one of my friends, which was amazing because I hadn't really traveled before. A plane ticket was pretty cool. That's always a good gift to give.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.