Annie Murphy went from having just $3 in her bank account to building a multi-million-dollar fortune through her breakthrough role as Alexis Rose on “Schitt’s Creek.” Her rags-to-riches story perfectly mirrors the reverse journey of her character on the show, making her financial transformation even more fascinating.
What Is Annie Murphy Net Worth?
Annie Murphy Net Worth stands at approximately $4 million as of 2025. This wealth comes primarily from her acting career, with her Emmy-winning role in “Schitt’s Creek” serving as the cornerstone of her financial success. Before landing this career-changing part, Murphy was on the verge of quitting acting altogether.
The Struggle Before Fame
Murphy’s path to success wasn’t smooth. Born on December 19, 1986, in Ottawa, Ontario, to two teachers, she developed an early love for acting through books her father read to her. After attending Elmwood School, where she performed in stage productions, Murphy briefly studied at Queen’s University before transferring to Concordia University, where she earned a degree in theatre performance.
Despite her training, Murphy struggled to find consistent work in the industry. By 2013, her situation had become dire:
- She hadn’t worked meaningfully in nearly two years
- Her apartment burned down, destroying most of her possessions
- Her bank account dwindled to just $3
- She had just failed what she described as her “very first screen test.”
In a moment of despair, Murphy found herself crying at the Pacific Ocean, convinced the universe was telling her to quit acting. Yet just two days later, she received an audition opportunity that would change everything.
The “Schitt’s Creek” Breakthrough
In what can only be described as perfect timing, Murphy auditioned for the role of Alexis Rose in “Schitt’s Creek” right when she needed it most. Interestingly, the part was originally given to Abby Elliott, who had to drop out for another project. Murphy has since expressed gratitude for this stroke of luck, stating, “Thank God she was a successful actress who had other things to do. I owe my career to Abby’s career.”
The show, co-created by Eugene and Dan Levy, started modestly on Canada’s CBC and the American network Pop TV in 2015. While initially flying under the radar, “Schitt’s Creek” found a broader audience after striking a deal with Netflix in 2017. By the final season, the show had become a cultural phenomenon, sweeping the comedy categories at the 2020 Emmy Awards.
Murphy’s portrayal of Alexis Rose brought her:
- A Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (2020)
- A nomination for a Golden Globe Award
- A Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the ensemble cast
- A Gracie Allen Award for Actress in a Breakthrough Role (2019)
- Widespread recognition through catchphrases like “Ew, David” and “Love that journey for me.”
Even her comedic song from the show, “A Little Bit Alexis,” became popular enough to earn a spot on iTunes and a nomination for a Dorian Award.
How Annie Murphy Built Her Wealth
Film Career
Murphy’s wealth primarily comes from her acting work. Before “Schitt’s Creek,” she appeared in:
- The 2007 television film “Lethal Obsession” (her acting debut)
- Guest roles on shows like “The Business,” “Blue Mountain State,” “Beauty & the Beast,” and “Rookie Blue”
- Films including “Story of Jen” (2008) and “Lick” (2010)
- The web series “The Plateaus” (2015), which she co-created
After her success on “Schitt’s Creek,” Murphy’s career gained momentum with roles in:
- “Kevin Can F* Himself” (2021-2022) as the lead character
- The second season of Netflix’s “Russian Doll” (2022)
- “Black Mirror” (2023) in the episode “Joan Is Awful”
- Voice work in the animated film “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken” (2023)
These post-“Schitt’s Creek” projects have contributed significantly to her growing net worth.
Endorsements and Partnerships
Murphy has supplemented her acting income through various endorsement deals:
- A 2020 holiday advertising campaign for Hudson’s Bay department stores alongside Catherine O’Hara
- A series of advertisements for meal-kit company HelloFresh
- A 2021 commercial for Nintendo Switch
- A 2021 advertising campaign for the contraceptive Phexxi
These commercial partnerships have provided additional revenue streams beyond her on-screen work.
Financial Success
The contrast between Murphy’s financial situation before and after “Schitt’s Creek” couldn’t be more dramatic. She went from contemplating abandoning her acting dreams to becoming an Emmy-winning millionaire. This transformation took place over about seven years, from the show’s 2015 premiere to its 2020 conclusion.
Murphy’s story serves as a compelling case study in perseverance. After years of struggling to find steady work in acting, she was ready to quit just days before receiving the audition that would change her life. The timing proved crucial—had the opportunity come even a week later, she might have already moved on to a different career path.
Personal Life
Murphy married Menno Versteeg, frontman of the band Hollerado, on August 20, 2011. Versteeg collaborated with Murphy on her “Schitt’s Creek” song “A Little Bit Alexis,” and she has appeared in two of the band’s music videos.
The couple experienced financial hardship together, including when their Toronto apartment burned down in 2013, destroying most of their possessions. Murphy particularly mourned the loss of her lifelong teddy bear, Worthington. This experience came during a period when she was already struggling financially, compounding their challenges.
While Murphy doesn’t speak extensively about her financial management, her experience with extreme financial insecurity likely shapes her approach to money today. Many celebrities who have experienced similar rags-to-riches transformations develop cautious money habits.
Charitable Work
Despite her financial struggles earlier in life, Murphy has made time for charitable causes. Since 2019, she has served as an ambassador for Care Canada, an organization focused on fighting global poverty. In this role, she visited Jordan to highlight issues facing women, girls, and Syrian refugees, and to learn about Care Canada’s humanitarian efforts.
Her involvement with charitable organizations demonstrates a commitment to giving back after achieving success.
Mental Health
Murphy’s rise to fame hasn’t been without personal challenges. In January 2020, during the “Schitt’s Creek” farewell tour, she began experiencing depression. The situation worsened when production on “Kevin Can F* Himself” was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While staying with her parents in Canada, Murphy’s mother noticed she was crying approximately 12 times a day. After consulting with a therapist, Murphy was diagnosed with depression and prescribed antidepressants.
This experience highlights how financial success doesn’t guarantee happiness or mental well-being. Murphy has been open about these struggles, contributing to broader conversations about mental health in the entertainment industry.
Financial Outlook
While Murphy doesn’t have any publicly announced upcoming projects as of mid-2025, her recent successes position her well for continued opportunities. Her Emmy win and the cultural impact of “Schitt’s Creek” have elevated her profile in the industry, likely leading to more selective and potentially lucrative roles.
The entertainment industry’s growing demand for authentic, talented performers suggests Murphy will have plenty of opportunities to expand her wealth further. Her versatility across comedy and drama also broadens her appeal to producers and directors.
What Makes Annie Murphy Net Worth Story Unique
Several factors make Murphy’s financial journey particularly interesting:
- The dramatic contrast: Going from $3 to $4 million creates a compelling narrative arc
- The parallel to her character: Just as Alexis Rose adjusted to losing her family’s fortune, Murphy adapted to sudden wealth after years of struggle
- The timing element: Her career-changing opportunity came just days before she planned to quit acting
- The cultural impact: Her character’s catchphrases and mannerisms became part of popular culture, extending her influence beyond the show itself
These elements combine to make her net worth story more than just numbers—it’s a testament to persistence and timing in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Annie Murphy Net Worth of $4 million represents more than just a financial figure—it symbolizes an extraordinary career transformation. From crying by the Pacific Ocean with just $3 to her name and contemplating the end of her acting dreams, to winning an Emmy and building a multi-million dollar career, Murphy’s journey feels like something straight out of a Hollywood script.
What makes her story particularly compelling is how recently this transformation occurred. In just a few short years, Murphy went from financial insecurity to becoming a wealthy, award-winning actress with a bright future ahead. For fans of “Schitt’s Creek” and aspiring actors alike, her journey offers both inspiration and a reminder that sometimes success comes at the moment you least expect it.
