Marilynn Murphy

Marilynn Scott Murphy passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, from complications of Alzheimer's disease. Marilynn had told a close friend years ago that her wish was to die at age 73…she was 73 when she passed away. She will be remembered by her friends and acquaintances for her unfailing kindness, generosity and fierce independence.

Marilynn was born on July 12, 1952, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, to her devoted mother, Phyllis Scott Murphy and her father Leonard Murphy. At five years old, Marilynn took the stage at Hartford's Bushnell Theater-an experience that sparked her lifelong passion for the performing arts. As an honor student at Hartford Public High School, she spent her evenings performing with the Hartford Stage Company and dedicating herself to mastering the craft.

After graduating Adelphi University, Marilynn spent her twenties acting in more than fifty stage productions across the country. It may have been during these travels that she discovered another lifelong passion for seeing the world. Over the years that followed, she became a dedicated world traveler who sought out new experiences as varied as Ireland, Italy, Indonesia and so many more.

After a period on the West Coast, Marilynn made her home in New York City, where she lived on the Upper West Side for more than 40 years. During this time, she turned her creative energy toward nurturing others' talents. Alongside her business partner she co-founded Professional Artists, a talent agency she eventually came to own and operate herself. Whether she was helping a new actor get a supporting role in an off-Broadway production or helping a veteran actor land a role in television or film, her persistent kindness distinguished her in an industry that can be ruthless.

Marilynn's love for the performing arts and seeing the world were only surpassed by her love for her family, friends, community, and the small dogs she kept over the years. She belonged to the All Souls Church community, where she was a long serving board member of the Heart & Soul Charitable Fund. There, she made many close and faithful friends who provided great support to her in her later years.

Marilynn especially cherished her cousins and their children, introducing them to the magic of New York City. She coordinated family trips where she brought over twenty people to Broadway shows, the circus, bowling at Chelsea Piers, visits to the Statue of Liberty, and her favorite restaurants. These trips created memories that deepened the connection between Marilynn and her family. She was honored when eight of these cousins asked her to officiate their weddings, many alongside her dear friend Judy Chang.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Marilynn's numerous loving friends for their unwavering care and support. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Marilynn's memory to one of the following organizations that reflect her

passions and spirit:

- Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC), supporting animal rescue and adoption nycacc.org

- The Heart & Soul Charitable Fund, which aids community and arts initiatives heartandsoulfund.org

A celebration of Marilynn's life will be held in the spring of 2026 at All Souls NYC.

Arrangements provided by John G. Crawford Memorial Services, LLC