Taraji P. Henson.
Taraji P. Henson has joined the cast of NBC’supcomingAnnie Live!special.
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.
“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 withAnnie, it absolutely applies to Taraji as well,” Rovner said.
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 thenetwork is searchingfor “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.
Everett
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Annie Live!will air December 2 on NBC.
This will be the sixth live musical the Peacock network has aired since reviving the trend with 2013’sThe Sound of Music Live!. Other musical events have included 2014’sPeter Pan Live!, 2015’sThe Wiz Live!, 2016’sHairspray Live!and 2018’sJesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.
source: people.com
