Harry Connick Jr. Cast as Daddy Warbucks in NBC’s ‘Annie Live!’ Musical
FilmMagic Reading Time: 2 minutes
Award winning artist Harry Connick Jr. has been cast for the role of Daddy Warbucks in NBC’s Annie Live! Connick Jr. will work alongside Taraji P. Hensen as Miss Hannigan, the child hating orphanage headmistress. Sure to have us all belting out “It’s The Hard Knock Life” from our living rooms is this new spin on the heartfelt classic premiering December 2.
Connick Jr. will join the roster of extravagant billionaires that have adopted little orphan Annie over the years. The original Daddy Warbucks was played by Ried Shelton in the 1977 Broadway production of Annie. The 1982 film adaptation notably features Albert Finney and Jamie Foxx played the most recent version of the character in 2014.
Harry Connick Jr. Joins the Daddy Warbucks Roster
The former American Idol judge proudly took to social media to announce his upcoming role in the musical.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to play Daddy Warbucks in ‘Annie Live!’ and working alongside @tarajiphenson is a dream come true (i ADORE her 😃)…i love this show, and it’s musical message of love and hope couldn’t come at a better time! more info in my stories ⬆️ #annielive”
Connick Jr.’s Previous Television Roles
In 2013, the Emmy and Grammy winning artist joined the judging panel of American Idol alongside Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban. In the fall of 2016, he debuted his nationally syndicated daytime talk show Harry. He also was a lead actor in ABC’s South Pacific.
He also scored a recurring role in the groundbreaking sitcom Will & Grace. Connick Jr. has used his musical abilities to dip his toes in a number of Primetime specials. “When My Heart Finds Christmas” on CBS and “Harry for the Holidays” on NBC are just a couple of examples.
With that being said, NBC producers are thrilled to have Connick Jr. on board for the project. Executive producer Robert Greenblatt praised Connick Jr. in a statement with Entertainment Weekly:
“We are thrilled to have Harry Connick Jr. playing Daddy Warbucks. He’s a true entertainer who sings – and dances – with the best of them, and he will bring a completely fresh approach to this character. And he will give Taraji P. Henson’s Miss Hannigan a run for her money for Annie!”
The beloved tale of little orphan Annie will fill our homes with joy and love yet again this year. With this all star cast that will surely aim to please, I for one will not be missing the special event. The search to find the perfect little Annie is ongoing. Whomever is chosen, I’m sure they will be the perfect addition.
