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Murphy's mother discovered the star slumped unconscious in a shower at her home in Los Angeles before her husband, British screenwriter Simon Monjack, called emergency services, entertainment website TMZ.com reported.

The actress was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills where she was confirmed dead at 10:04 am (1804 GMT), spokeswoman Sally Stewart said. No other information was released by the hospital.

Los Angeles Police Department officers were at Murphy's home asking preliminary questions, police confirmed. Investigators later said foul play was not suspected in the death.

Murphy's family meanwhile appealed for privacy.

"In this time of sadness, the family thanks you for your love and support. It is their wish that you respect their privacy," read a statement released by the actress's spokeswoman.

News of Murphy's death comes after a medical drama involving her husband Monjack last month, when an ambulance was called to a Los Angeles airport arrival gate as the couple returned from Puerto Rico.

On that occasion, it was the actress's husband who was rushed to hospital. Reports said the couple had been returning to Los Angeles after Murphy was thrown off the set of a movie and fired for difficult behavior.

Murphy made her name in television sitcoms during the 1990s before grabbing notable roles in "Clueless," "Girl, Interrupted," "Sin City," "8 Mile" and "Happy Feet."

She provided the voice of Luanne Platter in more than 200 episodes of the animated television sitcom "King Of The Hill."

Born in Atlanta, Murphy was raised by her mother, Sharon, in New Jersey before moving to Los Angeles.

The star scored her first role in 1991 on the television show "Blossom," before landing a starring role that same year in "Drexell's Class."

She also had recurring roles in "Sister, Sister," "Party of Five" and "Boy Meets World."

In addition to acting, Murphy also enjoyed a successful foray into music, collaborating with British DJ Paul Oakenfold on the single "Faster Kill Pussycat," a club hit that reached number one on the dance charts.

In the dancing penguin animated hit film "Happy Feet," she performed a cover version of Queen's "Somebody to Love" and Earth, Wind & Fire's "Boogie Wonderland."

Before marrying Monjack in 2007, she was engaged to talent manager Jeff Kwatinetz and previously dated actor Ashton Kutcher.

Kutcher, now married to actress Demi Moore, offered condolences on Sunday via his page on micro-blogging site Twitter.

"2day the world lost a little piece of sunshine. My deepest condolences go out 2 Brittany's family, her husband, & her amazing mother Sharon," the actor wrote. "See you on the other side kid."

Murphy's co-star from "Clueless," Alicia Silverstone, said she had always felt connected to the actress even though they had not stayed in close touch.

"I feel love in my heart for her -- and hope she is at peace. This is truly sad," Silverstone told People magazine.

"I loved working with Brittany. She was so talented, so warm and so sweet."