LOS ANGELES, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Los Angeles police confirmed on Sunday they had started an investigation into the death of actress Brittany Murphy, who is best known for her roles in "Girl Interrupted," "8 Mile" and "Sin City."

Actress Brittany Murphy attends the Monique Lhuillier 2008/2009 Fall/Winter collection during New York Fashion Week in this file image from February 5, 2008. Murphy, who starred in such films as "Just Married" and "Uptown Girls" but saw her fortunes fade in recent years, died on December 20, 2009 after going into cardiac arrest, the Los Angeles Times reported. She was 32. (Xinhua/Reuters File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Brittany Murphy, 32, suffered a cardiac arrest and was found unconscious early Sunday in the shower at her home in Los Angeles by her mother, according to TMZ.com, which first reported Murphy's death Sunday morning.

    Her husband, British screenwriter Simon Monjack, called 911 at about 8 a.m. and she was transferred to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and pronounced dead at 10:04 a.m., said police spokesperson Norma Eisenman.

    Sally Stewart, a spokeswoman at Cedars-Sinai, said Murphy's family had allowed the hospital to release the news that she had died, adding that no other information would be forthcoming from the hospital.

Actress Brittany Murphy waits to attend the Max Azria 2008/2009 fall collection show during New York Fashion Week February 4, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    An official cause of death has not been determined, said the local police authority, but added that it appeared to be natural and an autopsy was planned for Monday or Tuesday.

    Born in Atlanta on Nov. 10, 1977, Murphy landed her first job in Hollywood at the age of 14 by guest-starring on the television show "Blossom," followed by starring in the television series "Drexell's Class." She also had recurring roles in "Sister, Sister," "Party of Five" and "Boy Meets World."

    Meanwhile, Murphy also had voiced the characters for a range of films and TV series, such as "Happy Feet" and the 200-plus animated TV series of "King of The Hill."

    In 1998, she was nominated for best leading young actress at the 20th Annual Youth in Film Awards for her performance in the television movie, "David and Lisa."

    Her single "Faster Kill Pussycat," a duet with Paul Oakenfold released in 2006, topped Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart.