Annie Murphy's parents played a role in shaping their daughter's career. They were teachers who introduced their panic-stricken girl to the world of books, and it became her solace. Consequently, the literary world inspired Annie's passion for acting.
Annie Murphy's love for acting ignited when she was a high schooler. After graduating, she enrolled at Queen's University in Ontario to hone her craft but transferred a year later to Concordia University.
Also a Canadian Film Centre Actors' Conservatory graduate, she debuted onscreen with a 2007 role in the TV Movie "Lethal Obsession." In 2015, she wrote and starred in the comedy web series, "Plateaus."
Annie Murphy poses during her visit at the Zacapa XO x Baccarat Speakeasy at the 76th Annual Tony Awards on June 11, 2023, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
2015 was also the year she won her breakthrough role as the hilarious and spoilt Alexis Rose in "Schitt’s Creek," starring alongside Emily Hampshire, Dan Levy, and Catherine O'Hara. Annie has since catapulted to worldwide stardom; however, a lesser-known part of her life is her parents.
She drew her first breath in Ottawa, Ontario, on December 19, 1986. Her mother's name is Deb, but she has yet to reveal her father's identity. The actress doesn't appear much in public with her dad, but she once brought her mom on a reality TV show.
Annie Murphy poses at the Broadway opening night of "& Juliet" at Stephen Sondheim Theatre on November 17, 2022, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Annie Murphy's Father Read to Her as a Child
Annie spoke briefly about her father's role in her upbringing during a 2020 interview with Fashion Magazine. The "Black Mirror" star shared that he read to her frequently when she was younger.
Introducing his daughter to written stories helped her cope with a looming fear. "I remember being quite young and having this feeling of panic that you've only got one life," Annie explained. She added that books were "the first step" she took to overcome her panic.
Annie Murphy is pictured at Netflix's "Russian Doll" in conversation with Jim Jarmusch at The 92nd Street Y, New York, on May 29, 2022, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Annie's Mother, Deb, Starred Alongside the Actress in the Premiere Episode of '50 Ways to Kill Your Mum'
"50 Ways to Kill Your Mum" is a reality TV show that debuted on Vision TV in September 2019. The show invites celebrities (Jennie Garth and Jaleel White have appeared on the show) and their loved ones to experience adventures "that test the limits" of their familial trust.
Annie and Deb were the first pair to kickstart the show in Newfoundland, Canada. Deb had just retired from teaching, and Annie thought it was the best time for her mother to "push herself" and confront some of her fears.
On the show, it was revealed that Deb was claustrophobic and preferred to be in control of things. "I'm the one who plans. I'm the one who takes care of people. To give up that control to Annie… I'm having a hard time with it," Deb hesitated.
Their Bond Grew Stronger despite Deb's Initial Fears
The adventures, including mountain biking, diving, kayaking in a cave, and ziplining, strengthened their bond despite Deb's reservations. When obstacles presented themselves and aroused worry, they knew exactly what to say to encourage each other.
In the end, it appeared that Deb had made significant progress in facing her fears. "It felt scary sometimes, but it just also felt full of promise," she explained. She felt her ability to "let go" had improved and understood that she didn't have to be "perfect."
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