Annie Murphy
She stole hearts as a hilariously vapid socialite, delivering a performance of unexpected depth and physical comedy that defined a modern sitcom.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Canadian actress·Birthday: December 19·Millennials
Biography
Before 'Schitt's Creek', Annie Murphy was nearly ready to quit acting. Years of auditions and near-misses had left her discouraged. Then she read the part of Alexis Rose, the spoiled, label-obsessed daughter of a suddenly bankrupt family. Murphy saw beyond the caricature, infusing Alexis with a daffy charm, a unique vocal cadence, and a surprising resilience. Her physical comedy—the little gestures, the runway walks through a motel parking lot—became iconic. Over six seasons, she charted Alexis's journey from a self-involved 'little bit' of a person to a capable, kind-hearted woman finding her purpose, all while delivering some of the show's most quotable lines. Her performance, a masterclass in balancing absurdity with genuine warmth, earned her an Emmy and helped transform the series from a cult favorite into a sweeping awards juggernaut. Murphy proved that a character who begins as a punchline can have one of television's most satisfying arcs.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Annie was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Annie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Annie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Alexis Rose in 'Schitt's Creek'.
- Portrayed Alexis Rose across all six seasons of the critically adored sitcom, a key part of its historic sweep of major comedy Emmys.
- Earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her work on 'Schitt's Creek'.
Did You Know?
The famous vocal inflection and mannerisms of Alexis Rose were largely Murphy's own creation developed during her audition.
She is married to musician Menno Versteeg, who is the frontman of the Canadian band 'Hollerado'.
She initially auditioned for the role of Stevie Budd on 'Schitt's Creek' before being cast as Alexis.
““I was this close to giving up acting forever before I got the part of Alexis Rose.””
