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Alexis Rose
Alexis Rose
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Alexis Rose
Schitt's Creek character
Alexis Rose in the Schitt's Creek episode "RIP Moira Rose" (season 4, 2018)
First appearance"Our Cup Runneth Over" (2015)
Last appearance"Happy Ending" (2020)
Created byDan Levy
Eugene Levy
Portrayed byAnnie Murphy
In-universe information
Full nameAlexis Claire Rose
GenderFemale
Occupation
  • Alexis Rose Communications business owner (current)
  • receptionist at Ted's veterinarian clinic (former)
  • socialite (former)
  • reality star (former)
  • teen model (former)
  • child actor (former)
Family
Significant others
  • Ted Mullens (ex-boyfriend/fiancè)
  • Mutt Schitt (ex-boyfriend)
  • Stavros (ex-boyfriend)
  • Arthur (ex-lover)

Alexis Claire Rose[1][2] is a fictional character in the Canadian sitcom Schitt's Creek, which aired on CBC and Pop TV from 2015 to 2020. Alexis, a member of the central Rose family, is introduced as the spoiled socialite daughter of Johnny and Moira Rose, and the younger sister of David Rose. Her early seasons storylines revolve around her efforts to adjust to life in Schitt's Creek after her family loses their fortune, as well as her romantic entanglements with locals Mutt Schitt and Ted Mullens. In later seasons, Alexis's story focuses on her educational pursuits and the establishment of her public relations business, Alexis Rose Communications, all while starting a new and serious relationship with Ted. For the fifth season episode "The Hospies", Alexis performs the song "A Little Bit Alexis", which was later released professionally by Annie Murphy on February 19, 2019.

Alexis Rose was portrayed by actress Annie Murphy for the series' entire 80-episode run. She secured the role after Alexis's initial portrayer, Abby Elliott, was unable to continue in the role when Schitt's Creek was picked up to series by the CBC. Murphy's performance has been largely praised by fans and critics, with some critics calling her the show's "breakout star". For her work as Alexis, Murphy was nominated for three Canadian Screen Awards and one Gracie Award, an award she won in 2019. In 2020, she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

Role in Schitt's Creek

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Schitt's Creek follows the trials and tribulations of the once wealthy Rose family, who are banished to the titular town after losing their fortune to an embezzling business manager.[3] A globetrotting socialite, Alexis is introduced as the self-absorbed adult daughter of Johnny (Eugene Levy) and Moira Rose (Catherine O'Hara) who has little time for Schitt's Creek or her family.[4] She settles into town with the help of love interests Mutt Schitt (Tim Rozon)[5] and Ted Mullens (Dustin Milligan)[6] and eventually finds work as a receptionist at Ted's veterinary clinic. After these relationships fizzle out, Alexis decides to focus on her education by obtaining her high school diploma and enrolling at a local college. She ultimately opens her own public relations company, Alexis Rose Communications, following the completion of her college degree.[7]

While living in Schitt's Creek, Alexis' relationships with her family begin to deepen, and after finishing her education in the fourth season, she also reunites with Ted, with whom she begins the first serious and mature relationship of her life, which strengthens throughout the fifth season, but Alexis is reluctant to leave her family when Ted invites her to accompany him on an extended career opportunity in the Galápagos Islands for some months.[8] She eventually agrees and is set to leave with Ted, but because of a scheduling mix-up, she never makes it to the Islands.[9][10] They thus settle on long-distance for a period, during which her PR career starts taking off. After some time, Ted pays Alexis a surprise visit at home to share the news that he got offered a permanent job in the Islands, which makes the two realize that, even though they love each other deeply, their lives are going into different directions, so they agree on a mutual break-up. In an attempt to cope with her heartbreak over Ted, Alexis briefly dates a retired man named Arthur (or 'Artie' for short) who is significantly older than her, to her family's dismay.[11]

Development

[edit]

Alexis Rose was developed by Schitt's Creek co-creators Dan and Eugene Levy.[12] The character was inspired by the wealthy real-life stars of programs like Keeping Up with the Kardashians and The Real Housewives franchise.[13] The initial casting call described Alexis as a "selfish, ditzy socialite" and a young Goldie Hawn.[14]

In the original unaired pilot presentation, Alexis Rose was portrayed by Abby Elliott.[15] When Schitt's Creek was picked up to series by the CBC, Elliott was unable to commit, and a subsequent casting call was held in Los Angeles. According to Dan Levy, Murphy's audition stood out because of the "wonderfully natural likability"[16] she brought to the role. Eugene was initially hesitant about her casting because he had envisioned Alexis as having blonde hair instead of Murphy's naturally brunette locks. Murphy dyed her hair blonde upon booking the role.[15]

Characterization and themes

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Personality and personal style

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Alexis arrives in Schitt's Creek as a highly self-involved "celebutante".[17] She is often comically oblivious and frequently misinterprets the actions of those around her.[18] Alexis is also generous and "kindhearted",[19] embracing the potential of nearly every individual or opportunity she comes across. As summarized by Vulture, her presence is "part calculated humblebrag, part genuine warmth, and part rich bitch".[20]

Alexis wears a "bohemian"[21] wardrobe inspired by the likes of Sienna Miller.[22] According to Dan Levy, the character's style is also a reflection of her time spent traveling in New York and Europe. As such, she is frequently seen sporting designers such as Isabel Marant and Derek Lam[22] – even when doing physical labor as part of her community service.[23] These high-end clothes are meant to serve as a reminder to the audience of the family's prior wealth.[21]

Voice and mannerisms

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Alexis speaks with a vocal fry[15] and sometimes uses exaggerated hand gestures. According to Murphy, she began saying "Ew, David" in a peculiar way without realizing it, and the phrase eventually made its way onto welcome mats, T-shirts, and at least one license plate.[24]

Reception

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Critical reception

[edit]

Murphy's turn as Alexis Rose has garnered much positive press, with some critics declaring her the "breakout star" of the series.[25] In an early review, LaToya Ferguson of The A.V. Club called her take on the partying socialite "scarily amazing".[26] People Magazine's Gillian Telling also noted that Murphy not only held her own against her more seasoned co-stars, she "occasionally steals the scene".[17] As Schitt's Creek gained a larger following in its later seasons,[27] Murphy received additional praise. In a season 4 review, Michael Ausiello of TVLine called her performance a "magic trick" which balanced relatability, sympathy, and charm.[25] Vanity Fair's Richard Lawson was also complimentary, noting Murphy and Alexis's ability to maintain her "winning bite" while adding a sense of "kindness and intellectual curiosity".[28] Joe Reid of Decider declared David and Alexis "the show's heart and soul" before approvingly adding that "Murphy's delivery is like a vaudeville interpretation of what a spoiled rich girl would sound like".[18] Caroline Framke of Vox similarly agreed noting that Dan Levy and Annie Murphy were Schitt Creek's "backbone and beating heart".[29]

Accolades

[edit]

For her work as Alexis, Murphy has been nominated for three Canadian Screen Awards for Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Comedic Role in 2016,[30] 2018,[31] and 2019.[31] In 2019, Murphy was awarded the Gracie Award for Actress in a Breakthrough Role.[32] In 2020, Murphy received a Primetime Emmy Award win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.[33]

Murphy has also received several awards and nominations as a member of the Schitt's Creek ensemble cast. This includes two Canadian Screen Awards for Best Comedy in 2016[30] and 2019;[34] one ACTRA Award for Member's Choice Series Ensemble in 2019;[35] and two Dorian Awards for TV Comedy of the Year and Unsung TV Show of the Year in 2019.[36] The cast also received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Comedy in 2017;[37] two ACTRA Award nominations for Member's Choice Ensemble in 2017[38] and 2018;[39] one GLAAD Award nomination in 2019;[40] one Television Critics Association Award in 2019;[41] and one Critic's Choice Award nomination – a first for a Canadian comedy – in 2019.[42]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Alexis Rose is a fictional character and one of the central protagonists in the Canadian television sitcom (2015–2020), portrayed by actress . She is the younger daughter of wealthy video store magnate and former star , initially presented as a self-absorbed accustomed to a life of luxury, globe-trotting adventures, and high-society connections. Following the family's sudden financial ruin due to by their business manager, the Roses are forced to relocate to the titular small, rundown town they once purchased as a , where Alexis must adapt to a drastically simplified existence in a room. Throughout the series, Alexis evolves from a superficial, fashion-obsessed "celebutante" with a ditzy demeanor and a history of romantic entanglements to a more grounded and resilient individual who discovers personal purpose. Her highlights themes of growth and adaptation, as she completes her , attends , navigates relationships with locals like veterinarian Ted Mullens and Mutt Schitt, and ultimately launches her own firm, Alexis Rose Communications. This transformation is marked by her increasing empathy, resourcefulness, and contributions to keeping the family united amid their fish-out-of-water challenges in . Murphy's portrayal of Alexis earned widespread acclaim, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020 and a Gracie Award, propelling her career and contributing to the show's critical success, with receiving 19 Emmy nominations overall. The series, created by Dan and and primarily aired on in and Pop TV in the United States, blends humor with heartfelt family dynamics, using Alexis's journey to explore privilege, resilience, and community integration.

Creation and development

Conception and writing

Alexis Rose was co-created by Dan and as the younger daughter of the affluent Rose family for their comedy series , envisioned as a spoiled whose jet-set lifestyle crumbles alongside her family's fortune, setting the stage for themes of downfall, adaptation, and reinvention. The character's initial concept stemmed from Dan Levy's fascination with portrayals of wealthy dynasties, such as , leading him to explore how such privileged figures might navigate total loss. As Levy explained, "I had been watching some reality TV at the time and was concentrating on what would happen if one of these wealthy families would lose everything. Would still be without their money?" This inspiration shaped Alexis as an unapologetically self-absorbed figure whose superficial traits provided comic contrast to the humble town of , underscoring the series' examination of privilege stripped bare. Prior to scripting the pilot, the Levys conducted extensive character development sessions to flesh out Alexis's backstory and motivations, ensuring her arc could evolve organically from entitlement to resilience. This pre-writing process focused on layering vulnerability beneath her initial facade of frivolity, allowing her to serve as a foil to the town's earnest simplicity while gradually revealing emotional depth through personal challenges like failed romances and career missteps. As Dan Levy noted in reflections on the show's creation, the goal was thorough exploration: "Until we know everything about these people, we are not done." In the pilot episode, aired in 2015, Alexis debuted primarily as , her exaggerated tales of high-society escapades highlighting the family's dislocation and the thematic tension between past glamour and present hardship. Over the series' run, the writing for Alexis shifted by season 3 to emphasize her growth, incorporating subplots that depicted her adapting to loss—such as navigating local jobs and relationships—while retaining her signature wit to balance humor with heartfelt reinvention. This evolution reflected the Levys' intent to portray adaptation not as rapid transformation but as a nuanced journey, with Alexis embodying the broader family dynamic of rediscovering connections amid adversity. Specific choices, like her fabricated jet-set history, were crafted to amplify the contrast with Schitt's Creek's grounded reality, reinforcing themes of personal reinvention through incremental self-discovery. By mid-series, these elements allowed Alexis to transition from peripheral comic foil to a central figure of resilience, mirroring the show's commitment to authentic character progression.

Casting and portrayal

Annie Murphy was cast as Alexis Rose after auditioning during the 2013 pilot season in , where she read for both the roles of Alexis and Stevie Budd. Daniel Levy, the show's co-creator and Alexis's on-screen brother David, recommended her tape to his father and co-creator , insisting she was ideal for Alexis despite initial reservations about her brunette hair not matching the character's envisioned "blonde bombshell" aesthetic. Her hair was ultimately dyed blonde, and she was selected following a callback audition, praised for her comedic timing and versatility in capturing the character's bubbly essence. To prepare for the role, Murphy researched socialite archetypes by watching videos of figures like , , and the Olsen twins, incorporating elements such as vocal fry, upspeak, and lazy speech patterns to convey Alexis's privileged naivety. She also drew inspiration from a young Goldie Hawn's effervescent energy, as referenced in the character breakdown, while collaborating with the show's creators to flesh out Alexis's backstory as a former reality TV star. Murphy's portrayal emphasized physicality and vocal inflections to balance Alexis's apparent ditziness with underlying cunning; she adopted exaggerated gestures like the improvised "T-Rex wrist" flip—palms down with bent wrists, mimicking handbag-holding socialites without a —and wide-eyed expressions to highlight moments of faux innocence. Her high-pitched, whiny voice evolved organically, influenced by sibling-like banter with Levy on set, including the signature line "Ew, !" which she used sparingly for emphasis. Over the series' six seasons, her performance matured to reflect Alexis's growth, shifting from frivolous mannerisms in early episodes to more grounded confidence by Season 4, as the character adapted to life in . Behind the scenes, Murphy contributed to Alexis's charm through targeted improvisations and creative input; for instance, she improvised the wrist gesture during scenes where hand placement felt awkward, turning it into a recurring trait. In Season 5's "," she begged Levy to let her perform an original song for Alexis's audition, co-writing the lyrics for "" with her husband and a friend to evoke the character's past as a pop , complete with early 2000s-inspired production that Levy approved after hearing the full track.

Fictional biography

Background and family

Alexis Rose is the younger child of , the founder and CEO of the successful video rental chain Rose Video, and , a former actress known for her role on the Sunrise Bay. The family's immense wealth allowed for an extravagant lifestyle centered in , where Alexis grew up surrounded by opulence and privilege alongside her older brother, . As the baby of the family, she was often doted upon by her parents, receiving lavish material gifts that fostered a sense of entitlement and left her lacking in practical . Throughout her youth and early adulthood, Alexis led a nomadic, high-society existence, frequently traveling the world for social engagements, fashion pursuits, and adventurous escapades that underscored her sheltered yet chaotic upbringing. She attended elite institutions but never completed high school, ultimately dropping out to pursue her glamorous lifestyle. This background of indulgence meant Alexis entered adulthood with little formal education or vocational experience, relying instead on her family's fortune for support. In , the family's world collapsed when their embezzled funds and failed to pay taxes, resulting in the government's seizure of nearly all their assets. With nothing left but the clothes on their backs and the deed to the rural town of —which Johnny had impulsively purchased years earlier as a for —the family was forced to relocate there immediately. Alexis, accustomed to private jets and celebrity parties, was utterly shocked by the downgrade to motel rooms at the Rosebud Motel, where she shared a cramped space with and struggled with basic tasks like budgeting or employment. Her initial forays into the town included awkward part-time jobs at the local café and motel front desk, highlighting her abrupt transition from affluence to necessity.

Key relationships and arcs

Alexis Rose's romantic storylines throughout highlight her evolution from seeking superficial excitement to valuing emotional stability and independence. In seasons 1 and 2, she engages in an on-again, off-again relationship with Mutt Schitt, the son of the town's , which begins as a flirtation while Mutt is Twyla Sands and briefly resumes after Alexis ends things with Ted Mullens; however, their connection remains largely physical and ends due to mismatched lifestyles and Alexis's growing self-awareness. By season 3, Alexis rekindles her romance with Ted, a local she first met in season 1, leading to a more supportive partnership marked by mutual encouragement, including Ted's role in helping her complete her education; their relationship faces challenges from Alexis's career ambitions but culminates in a mature, amicable breakup in season 6 when Ted accepts a three-year research position in the , allowing both to prioritize personal growth over prolonged uncertainty. Her familial bonds, initially strained by the family's wealth loss and relocation to , gradually deepen through shared challenges and small acts of support. With her mother, Moira, Alexis navigates a co-dependent dynamic rooted in their pre-relocation shopping habits and pretensions, which evolves into collaborative professional efforts, such as Alexis serving as Moira's in later seasons, fostering greater mutual . Her relationship with father improves as she seeks and receives his pragmatic advice, particularly regarding her ventures, contrasting their earlier disconnect where Johnny was often preoccupied with family finances. Meanwhile, her sibling connection with strengthens through their shared status as outsiders in the town, leading to confiding moments about relationships and life decisions, exemplified by Alexis walking David down the aisle at his wedding to Patrick Brewer in . Professionally and personally, Alexis undergoes significant growth, returning to high school in season 3 to earn her GED with Ted's encouragement, a milestone that propels her toward higher education at Elmdale College and away from aimless pursuits. In season 5, she leverages her background to launch her own firm, Alexis Rose Communications, initially handling local clients and later expanding to represent Moira's acting endeavors, which builds her confidence and community ties through volunteering at events like the . This independence peaks in season 6 as she secures a position at a major New York PR firm for the streaming service Interflix, symbolizing her transition to self-reliant adulthood. In the series finale, Alexis reflects on her journey during David and Patrick's wedding, tearfully affirming how the family's hardships in Schitt's Creek brought them closer, and participates in Johnny and Moira's impromptu vow renewal at the Rosebud Motel, underscoring her emotional maturity. She then departs for New York alone, ready to forge her path, while the family shares a final dance that encapsulates their healed bonds.

Characterization

Personality traits

Alexis Rose is initially portrayed as self-centered and materialistic, often relying on her charm and fabrications to navigate challenges, a reflection of the entitlement fostered by her privileged upbringing. Her early behavior includes breaking hearts without remorse and prioritizing appearances over substance, embodying the superficiality of her pre-Schitt's Creek life. Despite these flaws, Alexis demonstrates notable strengths, particularly her resourcefulness and street-smart instincts honed through extensive global travels and high-society escapades. She exhibits loyalty to her family, especially her brother , maintaining a deep sibling bond amid their shared adversities. Over the series, she shows empathetic growth, particularly toward underdogs like Twyla Sands, refusing exploitative opportunities and offering genuine support that highlights her evolving kindness. Alexis's personality is marked by contradictions, blending naivety about everyday hardships—stemming from her sheltered past—with cunning social acumen that allows her to manipulate situations to her advantage. Her obliviousness to often leads to self-absorbed decisions, yet she masks a of with bravado and toward deeper emotions. This underscores her irresponsible tendencies, which persist even as she achieves milestones like completing high school and launching a business. Thematically, Alexis embodies the series' exploration of personal reinvention, transitioning from superficial entitlement to greater while retaining her optimistic, energy. Her arc illustrates growth through adversity, as she sheds dependencies on wealth and relationships to embrace independence and emotional maturity.

Style, voice, and mannerisms

Alexis Rose's style is characterized by an eclectic bohemian-chic aesthetic, blending trendy and luxurious elements that reflect her background. She frequently wears flowy minidresses, rompers, and off-the-shoulder tops in floral or sequined patterns, often paired with layered jewelry such as statement necklaces and major earrings. Early in the series, her outfits draw from high-end designers like , , and Saint Laurent, including hot-pink minidresses with lace-up heels and pearl jewelry, emphasizing a glamorous, impractical vibe suited to clubbing or yachting rather than small-town life. Signature accessories include Celine totes, bags, fedoras, and feather-trimmed hats, while her makeup features bold, polished looks and her hair is styled in perfectly coiffed beach waves or adorned with headbands. Her voice is defined by a high-pitched inflection, incorporating vocal fry—a creaky, low-register quality at the end of sentences—along with elongated vowels and upspeak, which rises in pitch at the end of statements as if asking a question. This speech pattern, inspired by figures like and , conveys a sense of boredom or nonchalance while serving to emphasize dramatic storytelling or deflect uncomfortable situations. Alexis's mannerisms include exaggerated hand gestures, such as flipping her wrists with palms facing down in a motion likened to a "T-Rex ," often used during moments of excitement, cringing, or emphasis like her signature "ew, " exclamation. She frequently tosses her , employs wide-eyed stares to express perpetual surprise, and walks with a bouncy, confident stride that underscores her performative energy. These physical behaviors, including floppy hand movements and subtle shoulder wiggles, enhance her airy, diva-like presence. Over the series, Alexis's style undergoes subtle evolution, shifting from overtly high-maintenance glamour to more grounded, practical choices that mirror her personal growth while preserving her iconic quirks. In later seasons, she incorporates affordable town finds like cozy sweaters over sustainable dresses from brands such as , with messier hair and less emphasis on luxury accessories, signaling adaptation to life in without fully abandoning her bohemian flair. Her voice and mannerisms similarly tone down in intensity, reflecting maturity, though the vocal fry and wrist flips remain as enduring traits.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

Critics have praised Alexis Rose for her evolution from a stereotypical spoiled to a multifaceted character who provides emotional depth to . In early reviews, she was often depicted as part of the Rose family's initial portrayal as "rich, clueless narcissists," serving primarily as through her and self-absorption. However, as the series progressed, commentators noted her growing nuance, particularly in critiquing privilege while maintaining relatability; for instance, her arc highlighted the challenges of transitioning from entitlement to independence without losing her distinctive charm. Annie Murphy's performance as Alexis has been widely acclaimed for elevating the character into a fan favorite, transforming potential one-note humor into genuine emotional resonance. Reviewers have commended Murphy's vocal fry and mannerisms—drawn from reality TV influences—as comedic highlights that underscore Alexis's authenticity and growth. In later seasons, her portrayal captured Alexis's maturation, such as in poignant moments reflecting on family bonds and personal achievements, making her the emotional anchor of key episodes. Comparatively, Alexis is frequently ranked among the Roses for having the strongest development, with analyses in feminist media positioning her as a model protagonist who subverts tropes of the "dumb blonde" through and professional empowerment. Her journey from emotional neglect and superficiality to kindness and responsibility has been lauded as the series' most satisfying arc, offering a realistic of and family dynamics.

Accolades and impact

Annie Murphy's portrayal of Alexis Rose earned her the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series at the 72nd Annual in 2020. She also received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series at the in 2021. Additionally, Murphy was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series at the 25th in 2020. As part of the ensemble, she contributed to the cast's win for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series at the 26th in 2020. The series itself won the for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2021, recognizing its inclusive storytelling that featured Alexis prominently. The character of Alexis Rose has left a significant mark on through her iconic "Ew, David!", which Alexis utters only across the series despite its iconic status and has inspired widespread memes and GIFs capturing exasperation. Her bohemian-chic fashion, blending luxurious brands like and with everyday wear, influenced millennial trends toward accessible influencer-style outfits, such as ruffled dresses and high heels in casual settings. Alexis's arc from entitled to self-aware professional has sparked media discussions on millennial privilege, portraying her growth as a realistic depiction of personal evolution amid economic downfall. Post-series analyses from 2020 onward have positioned Alexis as the "true protagonist" of , highlighting her transformative journey as the emotional core that ties the family's redemption together. Her legacy endures in fan communities through essays and online discourse from 2021 to 2023, which praise the realism of her arc and its inspirational value for viewers navigating privilege and ambition. Alexis has influenced subsequent TV characters embodying flawed yet redeemable young women in ensemble comedies, emphasizing gradual maturity over instant change. Merchandise featuring her, including a 2025 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament with sound clips from her scenes, continues to sell steadily, while pop culture references appear in 2025 fashion editorials and trends revisiting her style. The enduring legacy of the series was evident in the cast's reunion at the 2024 , where Murphy appeared alongside Dan Levy, , and . In broader terms, Alexis symbolizes queer-adjacent through her unwavering support for brother David Rose's pansexual identity and relationships, contributing to the show's themes of inclusivity without centering trauma. This portrayal has been lauded for normalizing LGBTQ+ acceptance in family dynamics, positioning Alexis as a whose empathy reinforces the series' message of .

References

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