The Jewish husband of actress Brittany Murphy has died age 39 after suffering a suspected heart attack at the couple’s former home in Hollywood Hills.

Screenwriter Simon Monjack’s death comes just five months after Brittany, 32, died in his arms after suffering a heart attack in the shower at the same house.

After Brittany’s death Monjack ruffled feathers when he tried in vain to block plans for a post-mortem examination.

Monjack, who was born in North London, met Brittany through a mutual friend and they married soon afterwards in a Jewish ceremony in LA in May 2007.

He was best known for writing the screenplay for the 2006 Andy Warhol biopic Factory Girl, which starred Sienna Miller.

Monjack was found unconscious by Brittany’s mother in the master bedroom at around 9:30pm. She called emergency services, but paramedics were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

Sergeant Louie Lozano from the Los Angeles Police Department said they were initially viewing the death as from natural causes but detectives were looking into it further.

He said: "They are conducting their investigation. Once we have further information, we will provide it."