Great Concordian: Annie Murphy, Emmy Award-winning actress

Annie Murphy, BFA 10, rose to international fame for her unforgettable portrayal of Alexis Rose on the beloved sitcom Schitt’s Creek. The role earned her widespread acclaim, a 2020 Primetime Emmy Award and a place in comedy history.

Born in Ottawa, Murphy developed a love for acting during her high school years, where she shone in stage productions. After a year at Queen’s University, she transferred to Concordia’s Department of Theatre to immerse herself in the craft.

“I wanted a degree and a hands-on program,” she shared. “Those were formative years — I was figuring myself out, surrounded by creative people.”

Murphy honed her acting chops in campus productions such as Provincial Anecdotes and collaborated with fellow students like Mike Payette, BFA 07, now artistic director of Tarragon Theatre in Toronto.

“Montreal was a great city because you could be broke and still have a good quality of life,” she reflected. “I spent most of my time on Loyola Campus, sitting on the grass and hanging out in cafés, while I lived in Westmount and Mile End.

“Montreal has a great community of actors and creative talent.”

After graduating, Murphy trained further at the Canadian Film Centre Actors’ Conservatory. She spent years navigating smaller roles in Canadian and American productions, struggling to find her footing in the industry.

By 2013, she had nearly given up. Then came Schitt’s Creek.

Murphy’s nuanced, hilarious portrayal of Alexis Rose resonated deeply with audiences. The character, a self-absorbed socialite with a hidden heart of gold, became a cultural touchstone, inspiring countless memes and beloved catchphrases.

Following the show’s six-season run, Murphy has continued to impress with her range. She starred as the frustrated and complex Allison in AMC’s Kevin Can F**k Himself, appeared in the second season of Russian Doll, and lent her voice to the animated comedy Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken.

More recently, she starred in Joan Is Awful, a standout episode of Netflix’s anthology series Black Mirror.

Throughout her career, Murphy has taken bold risks, seeking roles that challenge her and reflect her artistic vision. “I want to be as many different people in my life as possible,” she explained. “That’s why I went into acting in the first place.”

Offscreen, the Great Concordian is an ambassador for Care Canada, advocating for women and girls in need. She has also supported local organizations such as the Encampment Support Network in Toronto.

Looking back, Murphy credits Concordia as the place where her journey began. “This is where I grew a lot and learned a lot. Concordia set me on my path.”