Los Angeles, California (CNN) — Friends and family of actress Brittany Murphy held a private funeral Thursday for the 32-year-old who died unexpectedly of what authorities said were natural causes.

The service at the Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn Cemetery featured Christian and Jewish clergy. It included the hymn “Amazing Grace” and a reading from “The Little Prince,” one of her favorite books.

“Today a wife, a daughter, a niece, a cousin, a family member and dear friend to thousands was laid to rest,” the family said in a statement.

“Brittany was an incredibly loving and passionate person … there are no words that can truly express the devastation felt by Brittany’s husband, mother, and everyone who attended the intimate service.”

Murphy was pronounced dead Sunday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Authorities have said she appeared to have died of natural causes. No sign of foul play or trauma was found.

The often bubbly, free-spirited actress appeared in films such as “Clueless,” “8 Mile,” “Don’t Say a Word” and “Girl, Interrupted.” She also lent her voice to animated works, including the movie “Happy Feet” — in which she also sang — and a regular voice role on the animated TV series “King of the Hill.”

Murphy was best-known for her work in a string of comedies earlier this decade, including playing lead roles in “Uptown Girls” alongside fellow Georgia native Dakota Fanning, and “Little Black Book” with Holly Hunter and Kathy Bates.

She is survived by her husband, British screenwriter Simon Monjack, who also spoke at the service.

The family may have a larger public memorial early next year, but nothing is confirmed yet, spokesman Alex Ben Block said.

FILE – In this Nov. 1, 2007 file photo, Actress Brittany Murphy, right, and husband, writer Simon Monjack, left, at the BAFTA/LA Cunard Britannia Awards in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Fire Department has responded to a 911 call from the home of actress Brittany Murphy’s husband. Fire Department spokesman Devon Gale says the call was made at 8 a.m. Sunday from a home in Los Angeles that is listed as belonging to British screenwriter Simon Monjack, who is married to Murphy. Gale says one person was transported to a hospital. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg, File)Associated Press

LOS ANGELES – Brittany Murphy was ill with flulike symptoms in the days before her death and prescription medications were taken from her home, the Los Angeles coroner’s office said Monday.

The 32-year-old star of films such as “Clueless” and “8 Mile” died Sunday morning after collapsing at her Hollywood Hills home. Paramedics tried to revive her, but she was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said they will conduct an autopsy Monday to try to determine what killed the actress, and said her death appeared to be from natural causes. He said the illness, reported to officials by her family, could have contributed to her death, but it will be weeks before a final determination is made.

Toxicology tests will be performed, and officials will contact her personal physician to get a better sense of Murphy’s medical history, Winter said.

Neighbor Clare Staples said she saw firefighters working to resuscitate the actress Sunday morning. She said Murphy was on a stretcher.

Murphy’s husband, wearing pajama bottoms and no shoes, appeared “dazed” as firefighters tried to save her, Staples said. “It’s just tragic,” she added.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

“The sudden loss of our beloved Brittany is a terrible tragedy,” Murphy’s husband and family wrote in a statement. “She was our daughter, our wife, our love, and a shining star. We ask you to respect our privacy at this difficult time.”

Murphy’s death put “Saturday Night Live” in an awkward spot. Two weeks ago, the NBC show aired a sketch during “Weekend Update” in which cast member Abby Elliott performed an impression of Murphy, who had recently been fired from a film project. The impression portrayed Murphy as spacey and living in the past.

After her death Sunday, the sketch disappeared from Hulu.com, the online video repository co-owned by NBC Universal.

The quiet removal prompted many bloggers and online viewers to question the sketch’s tastefulness and the decision to erase it without notice. A publicist for “Saturday Night Live” didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Murphy moved to Los Angeles with her mother, Sharon, in the early 1990s. Her career started with small roles in television series, commercials and movies, but her part in “Clueless” led to larger projects.

She is best known for parts in “Girl, Interrupted” and “8 Mile,” and also voiced the character Luanne Platter for more 200 episodes on Fox’s animated series “King of the Hill.”

Her role in “8 Mile” led to more recognition, Murphy told AP in 2003. “That changed a lot,” she said. “That was the difference between people knowing my first and last name as opposed to not.”

She married British screenwriter Simon Monjack in 2007.

Murphy’s father, Angelo Bertolotti, said he learned of her death from his son, the actress’s brother, and was stunned.

“She was just an absolute doll since she was born,” Bertolotti said from his Branford, Fla., home. “Her personality was always outward. Everybody loved her — people that made movies with her, people on a cruise — they all loved her. She was just a regular gal.”

He said he hadn’t heard much about the circumstances of Murphy’s death. Bertolotti divorced her mother when Murphy was young and hadn’t seen Murphy in the past few years.

“She was just talented,” Bertolotti said. “And I loved her very much.”

Ashton Kutcher/Brittany Murphy/Jessica SimpsonComposed by AccessHollywood.comAccess Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — In the wake of the news of Brittany Murphy‘s death at age 32 on Sunday, her former co-stars and the Hollywood community reacted with messages of condolences and sadness.

Ashton Kutcher, who starred opposite Brittany in the 2003 romantic comedy, “Just Married,” posted a couple of notes on his Twitter page about the petite star, who died early Sunday morning in Los Angeles.

“2day the world lost a little piece of sunshine. My deepest condolences go out 2 Brittany’s family, her husband, & her amazing mother Sharon,” he wrote on Sunday afternoon, adding, “see you on the other side kid.”

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Brittany Murphy Remembered

Alyssa Milano, who made a trip with Brittany to visit the troops overseas several years ago, also hit Twitter to share her sadness over the actress’ unexpected passing.

“Brittney Murphy and I did a USO Tour together in 2003. She was a sweet soul, with a lot of talent and heart,” Alyssa wrote.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: A Look Back: The Films Of Brittany Murphy

Lindsay Lohan also posted a message on her Twitter page after the news broke.

“My deepest condonlences (sic) go out to all of Brittany Murphy‘s loved ones& may she rest in peace… She was a great talent w/a beautiful soul xo,” Lindsay wrote.

Mena Suvari, Brittany’s co-star in the 2002 film “Spun,” wrote that she was shaken by the news.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Sudden Endings: Stars Who Died Too Soon

“I’m just sooo devastated now,” she Tweeted. “Found out Brittany Murphy died earlier this morning & I’m shockedWe worked together & I knew her for yrs.”

The actress also offered her condolences to Brittany’s loved ones.

“And ALL my love to her family & friends. May God be with you in this difficult time,” she wrote.

Frankie Muniz, from “Malcolm in the Middle,” was one of the first stars to Tweet about Brittany’s tragic passing, writing, “An old friend, Brittany Murphy has died this morning. RIP.. What a year…”

Kathy Najimy, Brittany’s co-star in the FOX animated series “King of The Hill” had a strong reaction.

“wrked w/& knew Brittany 4 14 years (& plyed her mom once as well) sweetst most talnted angel who got hked up w/ wrng people. we love u brit,” Kathy reportedly wrote on Sunday.

“so sad this is truly a waste. feeling regret we didnt’ do more. i love you so much Brittany and always will,” she added.

Other stars who didn’t share the big screen with Brittany also chimed in on Twitter.

“Brittany Murphy was an incredible ray of Light to so many people. Her smile was contagious,” Jessica Simpson Tweeted. “My prayers are with her family and loved ones.”

“So sad to hear about Brittany Murphey. My favorite was her voice in Happy Feet. Many prayers sent out to her family from us,” Candace Cameron Bure wrote.

“hey ya’ll. Life is so precious. RIP Brittany Murphy,” Taraji P. Henson Tweeted.

And Leven Rambin from “Grey’s Anatomy” also chimed in.

“RIP Brittany Murphy! So horribly sad!!!!” she wrote

Cheryl Burke from “Dancing With the Stars” shared her grief too.

“Wow I am shocked about the news! RIP Brittany Murphy. My heart goes out to you and your family,” she posted.

And Tom Green shared what he remembered most about the late actress.

“RIP Brittany Murphy – She was always very nice to me, my friends, and family. Nicer than most. And a real funny gal,” he wrote.

In this Dec. 1,2009 photo provided by PictureGroup showing Brittany Murphy arriving at the ‘Across the Hall’ Premiere in Beverly Hills, Calif. A Los Angeles hospital spokeswoman says actress Brittany Murphy has died. She was 32. (AP Photo/PictureGroup, Gregg DeGuire)Associated Press

LOS ANGELES – Brittany Murphy, the actress who got her start in the sleeper hit “Clueless” and rose to stardom in “8 Mile,” died Sunday in Los Angeles. She was 32.

Murphy was pronounced dead at 10:04 a.m. at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Sally Stewart said. Stewart would not provide a cause of death or any other information.

Murphy was transported to the hospital after the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call at 8 a.m. at the home she shared with her husband, British screenwriter Simon Monjack, in the Hollywood Hills.

Los Angeles police have opened an investigation into Murphy’s death, Officer Norma Eisenman said. Detectives and coroner’s officials were at Murphy and Monjack’s home above the Sunset Strip on Sunday afternoon but did not talk to reporters. Paparazzi were camped outside.

Messages left for Murphy’s manager, agent and publicist by The Associated Press were not immediately returned.

Neighbor Clare Staples said she saw firefighters working to resuscitate the actress Sunday morning. She said Murphy was on a stretcher and “looked as though she was dead at the scene.”

Murphy’s husband, wearing pajama bottoms and no shoes, appeared “dazed” as firefighters tried to save her, Staples said. “It’s just tragic,” she added.

TMZ.com first reported Murphy’s death Sunday morning.

Murphy’s father, Angelo Bertolotti, said he learned of her death from his son, the actress’s brother, and was stunned.

“She was just an absolute doll since she was born,” Bertolotti said from his Branford, Fla., home. “Her personality was always outward. Everybody loved her — people that made movies with her, people on a cruise — they all loved her. She was just a regular gal.”

He said he hadn’t heard much about the circumstances of Murphy’s death. Bertolotti divorced her mother when Murphy was young and hadn’t seen Murphy in the past few years. He said he used to be in the mob and served prison time on federal drug charges.

“She was just talented,” Bertolotti said. “And I loved her very much.”

Born Nov. 10, 1977, in Atlanta, Murphy grew up in New Jersey and later moved with her mother to Los Angeles to pursue acting.

Her career started in the early 1990s with small roles in television series, commercials and movies. She is best known for parts in “Girl, Interrupted,” “Clueless” and “8 Mile.”

Her on-screen roles declined in recent years, but Murphy’s voice gave life to numerous animated characters, including Luanne Platter on more than 200 episodes of Fox’s “King of the Hill” and Gloria the penguin in the 2006 feature “Happy Feet.”

She is due to appear in Sylvester Stallone‘s upcoming film, “The Expendables,” set for release next year.

Her role in “8 Mile” led to more recognition, Murphy told AP in 2003. “That changed a lot,” she said. “That was the difference between people knowing my first and last name as opposed to not.”

Murphy credited her mother, Sharon, with being a key to her success.

“When I asked my mom to move to California, she sold everything and moved out here for me,” Murphy said. “I was really grateful to have grown up in an environment that was conducive to creating and didn’t stifle any of that. She always believed in me.”

She dated Ashton Kutcher, who costarred with Murphy in 2003′s romantic comedy “Just Married.”

Kutcher sent a message on Twitter Sunday morning about Murphy’s death: “2day the world lost a little piece of sunshine,” Kutcher wrote. “My deepest condolences go out 2 Brittany’s family, her husband, & her amazing mother Sharon.”

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AP Entertainment Writer Anthony McCartney and Matt Sedensky in Miami contributed to this report.