Taraji P. Henson Cast as Miss Hannigan in NBC’s Upcoming Annie Live! Special

BY: Denver Sean

Published 4 years ago

Taraji P. Henson will play Miss Hannigan — the infamous head of the orphanage where Annie lives before she is adopted by Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks —  in NBC’s upcoming Annie Live! special.

via People:

Henson follows in the footsteps of actresses such as Kathy Bates, Cameron Diaz, Jayne Lynch, Nell Carter, Kathie Lee Gifford, Sally Struthers, Jo Anne Worley, and Faith Prince (to name a few) — all who have played the role in various versions of the classic musical on stage and on screen.

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The part was created by the late Dorothy Loudon in the original 1977 Broadway production, earning the actress a Tony award. Carol Burnett played the character in the 1982 film.

“Carol Burnett, who brought Miss Hannigan to life in the classic 1982 movie, is someone I have studied and idolized as far back as I can remember,” Henson said in a statement. “So when the opportunity came to me to join NBC and this incredible group of producers, I jumped! Carol, I hope to do you proud!”

NBCUniversal Television and Streaming’s Chairman, Entertainment Content, Susan Rovner, said that Henson’s casting in the iconic role “will be a thrill that has all the makings of must-watch television.”

“When we decided to bring back NBC’s holiday musical tradition, we were looking for something that was critically acclaimed and universally beloved – and while that’s definitely the case with Annie, it absolutely applies to Taraji as well,” Rovner said.

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As for the title role of Annie, NBC said in a news release that the title part has yet to be cast. A nationwide search for a young star is underway.

NBC said that the network is searching for “a young, future star of any ethnicity to bring optimism, spunk, honesty and a wisdom beyond their years to the classic role” of Annie. People from across the country are encouraged to audition virtually.

Interesting choice. ‘Annie Live!’ will air December 2 on NBC.

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