Dakota Fanning Reflects on Fond Memories with Brittany Murphy from ‘Uptown Girls’ as Clips Resurface

Dakota Fanning Gushes About Brittany Murphy After Clips From 'Uptown Girls' Go Viral: I 'Loved' Her

Dakota Fanning, Brittany Murphy. Getty Images(2)

Uptown Girls is currently trending on TikTok, but for Dakota Fanning, the movie has always held a special place in her heart due to the passing of her co-star Brittany Murphy.

Fanning, who is now 30 years old, shared with Brit + Co on Sunday, June 2, how much she adored Brittany and still misses her. They worked together in the 2003 film, where Fanning portrayed 8-year-old Ray alongside Murphy's character Molly, a 22-year-old nanny facing challenges.

Fanning mentioned that the movie's increased popularity on social media is a way to honor the memory of the late actress.

She expressed, "It's always heartwarming when people remember her and think about her," referring to Murphy's passing in December 2009 at the young age of 32.

Molly (played by Brittany Murphy) becomes the nanny for Ray (played by Dakota Fanning) in the movie after finding out her inheritance was stolen. Despite their differences, they soon realize how much they have in common.

Clips from Uptown Girls featuring Fanning and Murphy have become popular on TikTok, especially the moment when Molly takes Ray on a spinning teacup ride at a carnival to lift her spirits after a difficult time.

Another popular TikTok trend involves a scene where Fanning's character educates Molly about who is in charge at her house. In the scene, Ray points out to Molly that her mom is nowhere to be seen and reminds her that she's not the one in control.

Fanning shared that she has come across these clips online and expressed her love for them. She mentioned that she enjoys seeing the nostalgia it brings to people around her age who watched the movie growing up.

The actress described the film as a "comfort movie" for viewers. She expressed her joy in seeing people continue to watch and appreciate it, especially as they grow older and gain new perspectives on the story.

Even though Fanning was just 9 years old when Uptown Girls came out, she has cherished memories of working with Murphy. In April 2018, she shared on Instagram that Brittany Murphy brought a bright energy to the set, making each day of filming special for her.

Two years later, Fanning opened up even more about the late actress, calling her a “ray of light” with “a playful spirit.”

Dakota Fanning Gushes About Brittany Murphy After Clips From 'Uptown Girls' Go Viral: I 'Loved' Her

Fanning remembered her time with the actress fondly during an interview on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in July 2020. She shared that Hepburn always emphasized the importance of having fun and making each day special. Hepburn's impact on Fanning was truly wonderful.

Fanning isn’t the only Hollywood A-lister who thinks often about Murphy following her death. Her former Clueless costars have also been vocal about missing the actress in the past.

“Britt passed away as an adult, but she’s one of those people who I always think about,” said Breckin Meyer. He played Travis alongside Murphy’s Tai in the 1995 movie. During an April episode of the “Still Here Hollywood” podcast, he expressed, “I wish I could see what she would have done now.”

In 2009, Brittany Murphy collapsed in her bathroom in Los Angeles after being sick for several days. The coroner determined that her cause of death was a combination of pneumonia, anemia, and the effects of both prescription and over-the-counter drugs like cold medicine and painkillers.

In April, Murphy's friend, 50-year-old Meyer, shared that he has only scratched the surface in dealing with her passing. He described the late actress as the shining light in the lives of those who loved her.

"It was devastating to see her vibrant personality extinguished so tragically in a toxic relationship," Meyer expressed.

Murphy and her husband, Simon Monjack, had a tumultuous relationship before her passing. Some speculated if he had a role in her illness, but Monjack dismissed these rumors as "ridiculous" in January 2010. Sadly, he also passed away at the age of 40 five months later, succumbing to acute pneumonia and anemia.

Editor's P/S:

The story of Dakota Fanning and Brittany Murphy in the movie "Uptown Girls" is a heartwarming reminder of the special bond that can form between people, even in the most unexpected circumstances. Fanning's words about Murphy's passing are a touching tribute to the late actress, and her fond memories of working with Murphy show just how much she meant to her.

The fact that "Uptown Girls" is trending on TikTok speaks to the film's enduring popularity and the way it continues to resonate with audiences. The clips that have gone viral capture the film's heartwarming moments, and they serve as a reminder of Murphy's undeniable talent and the joy she brought to her fans. It is wonderful to see that Fanning is able to find comfort in the film's resurgence, and it is a testament to the power of art to connect people and bring them together.