[4] After graduating from Ohio University with a degree in physical education and a minor in modern dance, Murphy moved to Washington, D.C. to begin her career.

Murphy had opened the Champion Ballroom Academy in San Diego in 1990 and found it difficult splitting herself between these two obligations.

In 2007, prior to season 3, Murphy was announced as a permanent judge, a position previously held only by Nigel Lythgoe.

Although absent most of the season, Murphy appeared with a seat at the judging table for Vegas Week as well as the final episode.

From December 22, 2009, to January 10, 2010, Murphy headlined the Broadway ballroom dance show Burn the Floor.

In October 2010, on Larry King Live, she said she was finally speaking out so that other victims could learn how she endured, but escaped, domestic violence.

[11] In 2008, Murphy divorced amicably with her third husband, Phillip Gott, who remains an employee of her ballroom dance academy.

"[14] In 2011, during the announcements of Murphy's return as a permanent judge for season 8 of So You Think You Can Dance, it was revealed that she had undergone treatment for thyroid cancer.