You probably remember her as "Alex M."
Back in 2005, she was the girl with the long blonde hair and the raspy voice who wasn't afraid to go toe-to-toe with the big personalities on MTV’s Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County. While Lauren Conrad was the girl next door and Kristin Cavallari was the resident firebrand, Alex Murrel occupied a space that was arguably more relatable. She was the loyal friend, the aspiring singer, and—honestly—the one who seemed to have the most fun while the cameras were rolling.
But if you think she’s still stuck in a 2004 loop of low-rise jeans and surf shop drama, you haven't been paying attention.
The Reality of the "Reality" Fame
Alex Murrel didn't just stumble into the spotlight. She was part of the second wave of cast members that kept the Laguna Beach engine humming after the original seniors graduated. People forget how much pressure was on those kids. One minute you're worrying about your chemistry final at Laguna Beach High, and the next, millions of people are dissecting your dating life on a Tuesday night.
She was famously caught in a love triangle with Jason Wahler, a storyline that felt incredibly heavy at the time. Looking back, she’s been pretty candid about the fact that what we saw on screen wasn't always the full picture. On the Back to the Beach podcast with Kristin Cavallari and Stephen Colletti, Alex shared that her relationship with Jason actually predated the show. They were real-life friends long before the producers started editing their "hookups."
That’s the thing about early 2000s reality TV. It was "real," but it was also a carefully constructed version of Orange County life. Alex played her part, but she was always looking toward a career that involved more than just being a TV personality.
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Beyond the Screen: The Music and the Pivot
Most fans remember that Alex wanted to be a singer. It wasn't just a hobby; she actually signed with Warner Bros. Records. Her singles like "What’s It To You" and "Hello" were literally the soundtrack to the show. It felt like she was on the verge of becoming the next big pop-rock star, following the path of someone like Ashlee Simpson or Hilary Duff.
Then, the industry shifted.
By 2009, she left her label. In a lot of ways, she dodged the messy "child star" burnout that claimed so many of her peers. Instead of chasing a fading pop dream in Hollywood, she moved back toward what she actually knew: branding and the beach.
Today, she’s basically a marketing powerhouse. She co-founded the MOX Agency, a boutique marketing and PR firm, alongside her long-time friend Morgan Souders. It’s a move that makes total sense. If you spent your teenage years being marketed to the world by MTV, you probably learn a thing or two about how to build a brand. She took the "influencer" blueprint before it was even called that and turned it into a legitimate business.
Family Life and the Newport Reality
Life in 2026 for Alex looks a lot different than the Cabo spring breaks of the past. She’s now Alex Murrel Johnson, having married Kyle Mark Johnson in 2014. Their wedding was a mini-reunion for the Laguna crew, with Alex Hooser and Taylor Cole serving as bridesmaids.
They’re living the quintessential Newport Beach life now. Alex is a mom of three—Levi, Kase, and their youngest. It’s kind of wild to see the "tough girl" from season two posting about nursery decor and family beach days, but it’s a transition that feels genuinely authentic to who she is. She isn't trying to reclaim her 20s. She’s leaning into the chaotic, beautiful reality of being a working mom in her late 30s.
What Most People Miss
- The Business Mind: She didn't just "marry well" and disappear. Running a marketing agency in the competitive SoCal market requires a specific type of grit that she definitely displayed on TV.
- The Staying Power of Friendships: In an industry where "TV friendships" evaporate the second the wrap party ends, Alex has stayed incredibly close with her core group. Taylor Cole remains her best friend and frequently shoots her family photos.
- The Fitness Focus: She’s also leaned heavily into health and wellness, often sharing her fitness journey with her followers without the predatory "tea detox" vibes you see from other reality alums.
Why Alex Murrel Still Matters
We’re obsessed with nostalgia right now. Whether it’s the revival of Y2K fashion or the endless "where are they now" TikToks, people want to know that the kids they grew up watching turned out okay. Alex is the success story that doesn't involve a massive scandal or a desperate plea for a reboot.
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She’s a reminder that you can participate in a cultural phenomenon and still come out the other side as a normal, thriving human being. She doesn't shy away from her Laguna Beach past—she’s done the podcasts and the interviews—but she doesn't let it define her present.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators
If you're looking to follow in the footsteps of someone who navigated early fame and built a sustainable life, there are a few lessons to take from Alex's trajectory:
- Own Your Narrative: When Alex went on the Back to the Beach podcast, she cleared up years of misconceptions about her "rivalry" with other girls. Don't let an old version of yourself define who you are today.
- Pivot with Purpose: When the music career didn't pan out as planned, she didn't stop working. She shifted her skills into marketing—a field where her experience was actually an asset.
- Prioritize Privacy: While she’s active on social media, there’s a clear boundary. You see the kids, you see the beach, but you don't see the soul-baring drama that fueled her teenage years. That’s how you maintain a brand for two decades.
Alex Murrel Johnson might have started as the "tough girl" on a scripted reality show, but she’s ended up as one of the most grounded success stories of the MTV era. She’s proof that there is plenty of life after the cameras stop rolling—and sometimes, the unscripted version is a whole lot better.
To get the most out of following Alex's current ventures, check out the MOX Agency's portfolio to see how she’s shaping modern lifestyle brands, or listen to her guest spots on Back to the Beach for a nostalgic look at the production secrets behind your favorite 2000s episodes.