You may not recognise the face, but King of the Hill fans will recognise American actress Brittany Murphy's voice: she plays Luanne in Mike Judge's cartoon. She's also starred in movies as diverse as "Clueless", "Girl, Interrupted", "Don't Say a Word", and "Riding in Cars with Boys". Here she talks about playing Eminem's girlfriend, Alex, in "8 Mile"...
What was it like working with Eminem?
I adored working with him. He's one of the most raw, talented, honest actors that I will ever work with in my life. I feel very blessed to have had that experience - and especially to have been directed by Curtis Hanson. I can't possibly think of a better person to helm a project. Curtis is one of a kind.
Is your character based on a real person in Eminem's life?
No. The character I play is purely fictional. I'm sure he's [Eminem] met people like that in his life, but Alex is completely fictional.
What's it meant to you to be a part of this film?
You know, I can't believe that I get to be in one frame of it. It's an honour. I loved the fact that it was about a part of America that hasn't been spoken about in this medium before. The perfect person to translate this story was Marshall Mathers and then Curtis Hanson. No one else could have really done this. It all drew me in. I'm really happy that some things have been explored here that haven't been explored before. Also, what I love is the way it explores the willingness to get out of where you are, and the fact that you actually can make it, no matter what. I truly am a firm believer in that. Eminem's living proof.
