Ashleigh Murray
She brought a fresh, musical energy to teen television, transforming a comic book singer into a symbol of ambition and style.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American actress and singer·Birthday: January 18·Millennials
Biography
Ashleigh Murray grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, her path to acting paved by a childhood love of performance and a move to New York City to study at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Her early career was a grind of auditions and small roles, a familiar story of persistence in the industry. That persistence paid off spectacularly when she landed the role of Josie McCoy on The CW's 'Riverdale,' a modern, moody reboot of the Archie comics. Murray didn't just play a singer; she infused Josie with a poised, driven authenticity, performing the show's musical numbers with a voice that commanded attention. Her portrayal made Josie and the Pussycats a cultural touchpoint, leading to a starring role in the spin-off 'Katy Keene.' Beyond the Archie universe, Murray has carefully chosen parts that showcase range, from the quirky comedy of 'Valley Girl' to the sharp social satire of Hulu's 'The Other Black Girl,' establishing herself as a versatile actor with a distinct presence.
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.
Ashleigh was born in 1988, 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 Ashleigh Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Ashleigh's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
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
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred as Josie McCoy, the lead singer of Josie and the Pussycats, on The CW's hit series 'Riverdale' for its first three seasons.
- Headlined the 'Riverdale' spin-off series 'Katy Keene,' reprising her role as Josie in a New York City setting.
- Played a lead role in the Hulu adaptation of 'The Other Black Girl,' a critically acclaimed series about publishing industry dynamics.
- Starred in the Netflix original film 'Deidra & Laney Rob a Train,' a coming-of-age story that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
Did You Know?
She is a trained singer and performed all her own vocals as Josie on 'Riverdale.'
Murray initially auditioned for the role of Veronica Lodge on 'Riverdale' before being cast as Josie.
She is an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken openly about her own experiences with therapy.
Before her breakout, she had a small role in the HBO series 'The Leftovers.'
“Josie McCoy is a fighter, and she taught me how to be one too.”
