Annie Murphy Credits Donald Trump for the Success of ‘Schitt’s Creek’

Annie Murphy unexpectedly credited Donald Trump for some of the success of 'Schitt's Creek.' What did she have to say about the business man?

by Abeni Tinubu

Published on June 17, 2021

2 min read

It’s no secret that Schitt’s Creek changed Annie Murphy’s life. Her portrayal of Alexis Rose, a socialite who’d lost all her money, captivated audiences and made her a household name. Furthermore, her performance in the show’s sixth and final season earned her an Emmy award. Now, fans are eagerly tuning into Murphy’s newest AMC show, Kevin Can F**k Himself, to see what she does next.

Schitt's Creek cast members Eugene Levy, Annie Murphy, Dan Levy, and Catherine O'Hara pose at a screening — Eugene Levy, Annie Murphy, Dan Levy, and Catherine O’Hara | Amanda Edwards/Getty Images

Funnily enough, if Murphy hadn’t been cast in Schitt’s Creek, she wouldn’t be starring in Kevin Can F**k Himself. In fact, the Canadian was seriously considering quitting acting altogether before she was cast as Alexis. After a series of rejections and bad luck, Murphy felt that the universe was giving her a sign to pursue something else. Of course, that’s when fate stepped in and threw her a lifeline.

Annie Murphy almost quit acting before being cast in ‘Schitt’s Creek’

“I had gotten that huge wash of frustration because I just kept hearing no and no and no and no, so I had decided that this was it for me, and that I needed to figure out what the hell I was going to do with my life,” Murphy revealed to Interview Magazine. “Then I got the audition for Schitt’s Creek, literally the next day, and it changed my life in the most massive way.”

Eugene Levy wasn’t sure the actor was right for Alexis because of her blonde hair

Obviously, Murphy nailed her audition for Alexis. In fact, Dan Levy shared that she was the only actor who bought a natural warmth to Alexis and he knew instinctively that she was the right choice. Eugene Levy, on the other hand, needed some convincing. Because Murphy is a natural brunette, he initially hard time seeing her as Alexis. But after Dan’s insistence that Murphy could dye her hair and a few more auditions, she made the cut.

The Canadian comedy got more popular every season

Though the success of Schitt’s Creek was far from instantaneous, Murphy was having the time of her life filming the show. Not only was she getting to work alongside acting legends, Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara, but she also truly believed in the story she was telling. And slowly, over time, the show began to get more and more popular. The popularity of the show hit a fever pitch in 2020 and it seemed to be all anyone could talk about. This was especially true after the show swept the Emmy Awards.

There are plenty of reasons why Schitt’s Creek is such a success story. A talented cast, fantastic writing, great characters, and more all contribute to its many accomplishments. However, Murphy also unexpectedly credited Donald Trump for some of the show’s success. However, she made it abundantly clear that she was not praising him.

Why Murphy credits Donald Trump for some of the success of ‘Schitt’s Creek’

“I think we owe the success of the show to Trump and the pandemic,” Murphy shared. “The world was so fu*king dark and people needed to not look at that face and hear that voice. They needed something happy, kind, and inclusive. I’m not thanking him, don’t get me wrong.” It’s certainly true that Schitt’s Creek provided viewers with a much needed escape from reality. But the jury is still out about giving Trump credit for any of its success.