“I loved Brittany so much,” Fanning said of the late actress, who died suddenly in 2009 at the age of 32.

Dakota Fanning often thinks about her late costar Brittany Murphy.

Speaking to Brit + Co at the New York premiere of her latest movie, Fanning, now 30, reminisced deeply about Brittany Murphy, her co-star from the beloved movie Uptown Girls. Tragically, Brittany passed away at the young age of 32 on December 20, 2009.

When asked about the recent TikTok videos featuring the 2003 movie and its enduring impact, Dakota shared, “I have seen those. It warms my heart that people still treasure the movie. For many, it’s a nostalgic escape back to their younger days.”

Dakota reflected further, “It’s kind of a comfort movie for many. I love that folks are still enjoying it and finding new meanings now that we’re all older.”

On Brittany, Fanning fondly added, “I loved Brittany so much, and I miss her every day. It feels special when she gets attention, even if it’s just for a moment.”

In Uptown Girls, Dakota played Ray, a strong-willed eight-year-old, while Brittany was her clumsy but caring nanny, Molly, who takes on the job after losing her inheritance.

Remembering back to July 2020 during an interview on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Fanning shared warm memories of Murphy, “She taught me to always find joy in life. Brittany was such a bright light and had a playful spirit. Every day with her was special.”

Sadly, Brittany collapsed in her Hollywood Hills home after several days of flu-like symptoms. Reportedly, her last words were to her mother, “Mommy, I can’t catch my breath. Help me,” before fainting in her mother Sharon’s arms. Her husband, Simon Monjack, died five months later at age 40.

Murphy left behind a legacy with performances in films like Clueless (1995), 8 Mile (2002), Girl, Interrupted (1999), and Just Married (2003).