Taraji P. Henson to Portray Miss Hannigan in NBC’s “Annie Live!”

Taraji P. Henson is set to portray Miss Hannigan in NBC’s production of “Annie Live!” which arrives later this year.

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On Tuesday, the network announced that the Academy Award-nominated actress would portray the iconic role. They will now kick off a nationwide search for a young lady to play the character of Annie, with auditions taking place virtually. Susan Rovner, Chairman of Entertainment Content, NBCUniversal Television, and Streaming, said that seeing Henson “take on this iconic role will be a thrill that has all the makings of must-watch television.”

Henson is excited about the performance and hopes that she can portray the role just as well as Carol Burnett did when she starred in the 1982 original.

“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. 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!” the “Baby Boy” actress said in a statement.

“Annie Live!” will be produced by Chloe Productions. Neil Meron, Robert Greenblatt, and Alex Rudzinsky will serve as executive producers on the project. Rudzinski and Lear deBessonet and will both direct the film. Sergio Trujillo will lead the choreography, and Paul Tazewell will design the costumes. Stephen Oremus will bring the production to life by overseeing the music, and Jason Sherwood will oversee production design.

The live production will air Thursday, December 2nd, on NBC.