Annie Murphy went from having almost no money to building wealth as a star actress. Her story shows how talent, hard work, and a lucky break can change someone’s life completely.
How Much Money Does Annie Murphy Have?
Annie Murphy has a net worth of $4 million. She made most of this money from her role as Alexis Rose on the hit TV show “Schitt’s Creek.” Before this role, she was a struggling actress with very little money.
Early Life and Background
Born on December 19, 1986, in Ottawa, Ontario, Annie Murphy grew up in a family of teachers. She showed interest in acting from a young age and took part in school plays at Elmwood School in Ottawa.
After high school, Murphy spent one year at Queen’s University before moving to Concordia University. There, she got a degree in theater performance. She also trained at the Canadian Film Centre Actors’ Conservatory to build her acting skills.
At age 22, Murphy moved to Los Angeles to chase her acting dream, but success didn’t come right away.
The Struggling Years
Before “Schitt’s Creek,” Annie Murphy faced many challenges. She took small roles in Canadian films and TV shows like “Lethal Obsession” (2007), “Story of Jen” (2008), and “Rookie Blue” (2012).
Despite wanting to do comedy, Murphy mostly got dramatic roles. She appeared in American shows too, including “The Beautiful Life: TBL” (2009) and “Blue Mountain State” (2010).
By 2013, things looked bleak for Murphy’s career. She was thinking about quitting acting altogether. In her own words: “My house had just burnt down, I had like, $3 in my bank account, I hadn’t worked in close to two years.”
The fire that destroyed her Toronto apartment happened in 2013. She and her husband Menno Versteeg lost almost everything they owned. Murphy later said the hardest loss was her teddy bear named Worthington that she had since birth.
Breakthrough with “Schitt’s Creek”
Just when Murphy was ready to give up on acting, she got the audition for “Schitt’s Creek.” Two days after crying in the Pacific Ocean and deciding to quit, she tried out for the role of Alexis Rose.
This role changed everything for Murphy. She played Alexis for all six seasons of the show, from January 2015 to April 2020. As the show grew more popular, so did Murphy’s fame and income.
By the end of the show’s run, Murphy’s salary had likely grown significantly from what she earned in the first season. Her portrayal of Alexis Rose with the character’s iconic “Ew, David!” catchphrase and unique hand gestures made her a fan favorite.
Awards and Recognition
Murphy’s talent didn’t go unnoticed. For her role as Alexis Rose, she won:
- A Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020
- A Golden Globe nomination
- A Gracie Allen Award for Actress in a Breakthrough Role in 2019
She was also nominated for multiple Canadian Screen Awards and Critics’ Choice Television Awards. These awards did more than just recognize her talent—they increased her value as an actress and opened doors to new opportunities.
Life After “Schitt’s Creek”
After “Schitt’s Creek” ended, Murphy continued to build her acting career with roles in:
- “Kevin Can F**k Himself” (2021-2022) as the lead character
- “Russian Doll” (2022) as young Ruth Brenner
- “Black Mirror” (2023) in the episode “Joan Is Awful”
- Voice acting in “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken” (2023)
These roles have helped Murphy maintain her successful career and continue adding to her wealth after “Schitt’s Creek” ended.
Endorsements and Other Income Sources
Besides acting, Murphy has boosted her income through brand deals and endorsements:
- A holiday advertising campaign for Hudson’s Bay department stores in 2020
- Multiple advertisements for HelloFresh meal kits
- A commercial for Nintendo Switch in 2021
- An advertising campaign for the contraceptive Phexxi
- Serving as the Chief Flavor Officer for Sparkling Ice in 2024-2025
She also co-created and starred in a web series called “The Plateaus” in 2015, showcasing her creativity beyond acting.
Personal Life
Annie Murphy married Menno Versteeg, lead singer of the bands Hollerado and Anyway Gang, in August 2011. The couple has weathered tough times together, including losing their home in a fire in 2013.
Murphy has a tattoo of actor James Stewart’s silhouette on her wrist, inspired by his performance in the film “Harvey.”
Beyond her acting career, Murphy serves as an ambassador for Care Canada. In 2019, she visited Jordan to learn about Care’s efforts to help women and girls in the region. In 2021, she auctioned her first red carpet dress and donated the money to Encampment Support Network, which helps homeless people in Toronto.
Social Media Income
With about 1.9 million followers on Instagram, Murphy likely earns additional income through social media. Estimates suggest she could make between $289,000 and $396,000 annually from her social media presence alone.
How Annie Murphy Spends Her Money
Unlike her “Schitt’s Creek” character Alexis Rose, who was known for lavish spending before her family lost their fortune, Murphy appears to live more modestly. There are no reports of extravagant purchases or multiple homes, suggesting she may be careful with her newfound wealth after experiencing financial hardship.
Comparing Annie Murphy’s Net Worth to Other “Schitt’s Creek” Cast Members
Annie Murphy’s $4 million net worth is impressive, especially considering she had almost nothing before the show. However, other cast members have higher net worths:
- Eugene Levy: approximately $30 million
- Dan Levy: $14 million
- Catherine O’Hara: higher than Murphy’s
- Sarah Levy: $4 million
The difference in net worth mainly comes from the length of their careers and other projects before “Schitt’s Creek.”
The Future of Annie Murphy’s Wealth
Annie Murphy’s career continues to grow, which means her net worth will likely increase in the coming years. With her Emmy win and the massive popularity of “Schitt’s Creek,” she has established herself as a talented actress who can command higher salaries for future roles.
If she continues to secure leading roles in successful TV shows and movies, while maintaining her endorsement deals, her net worth could grow significantly beyond the current $4 million.
Annie Murphy’s Financial Journey
Murphy’s story offers several important lessons:
- Persistence pays off – she kept trying despite years of struggle
- One big break can change everything
- Diversifying income through endorsements and other projects can build wealth
- Even after success, staying grounded and giving back to charity matters
Conclusion
Annie Murphy’s net worth of $4 million represents an amazing journey from financial struggle to success. Her story shows how quickly life can change in the entertainment industry. From having just $3 in her bank account to winning an Emmy and building a multi-million dollar net worth, Murphy’s path proves that talent combined with persistence can lead to both artistic and financial success.
As she continues to take on new roles and build her brand, Annie Murphy’s star will likely continue to rise, along with her net worth. Her journey from struggling actress to wealthy star serves as an inspiration to many aspiring performers facing similar challenges.
