Actress Brittany Murphy likely died of natural causes Sunday at age 32, a Los Angeles County coroner's official says.

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center spokeswoman Sally Stewart said Murphy died at 10:04 a.m. PT.

She did not disclose a cause of death or any other details. But Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said Sunday afternoon the cause of her death "appears to be natural."

Murphy apparently collapsed in the bathroom Sunday morning and authorities are looking into her medical history, he said. An autopsy is planned for Monday or Tuesday, he said.

Celebrity website TMZ broke the news that someone at a home listed as belonging to Murphy's husband, Simon Monjack, dialled 911 at 8 a.m.

TMZ said Murphy was discovered in the shower and had reportedly died of cardiac arrest.

Murphy, whose breakout role was in 1995's Clueless, has appeared in numerous films including Girl, Interrupted; Don't Say a Word; and opposite rapper Eminem in 8 Mile.

Murphy married British screenwriter and producer Monjack in 2007.

Credited mother with her success

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

She broke into the business in the early 1990s with small roles in various commercials, TV series — including Frasier and Party of Five — and movies.

'The world lost a little piece of sunshine.'—Former boyfriend Ashton Kutcher on Twitter

Murphy also found work in voiceovers, including voicing the character Luanne on the animated series King of the Hill as well as Gloria the penguin in Happy Feet.

She is due to appear in Sylvester Stallone's The Expendables, set for release next year.

Brittany Murphy, shown in 2008, starred with Eminem in the movie 8 Mile and was the voice of Luanne on the animated TV show King of the Hill. (Peter Kramer/Associated Press)Throughout her career, Murphy mentioned her mother as being the bedrock of her success.

"When I asked my mom to move to California, she sold everything and moved out here for me," Murphy said in 2003.

"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."

Before her marriage to Monjack, she dated Ashton Kutcher, who co-starred with Murphy in the romantic comedy Just Married.

Kutcher posted a Twitter message Sunday morning about Murphy's death: "2day the world lost a little piece of sunshine. My deepest condolences go out 2 Brittany's family, her husband, & her amazing mother Sharon."

With files from The Associated Press