Harry Connick Jr. has been cast to play the billionaire Daddy Warbucks in NBC’s upcoming musical Annie Live!, the network announced this week.
The Emmy- and Grammy-winning performer joins a cast that already includes Taraji P. Henson as Miss Hannigan. The network is still undergoing a nationwide search for the titular character of Annie.
Sir Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks was played in past movie adaptations by Albert Finney and Jamie Foxx, and in the original 1977 Broadway musical by Reid Shelton.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to play Daddy Warbucks in Annie Live! and working alongside Taraji P. Henson is a dream come true,” Connick said in a statement. “I love this show, and its musical message of love and hope couldn’t come at a better time.”
Annie Live! will air Thursday, Dec. 2, on NBC.
The musical will be directed by Lear deBessonet and Alex Rudzinski and executive produced by Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Alex Rudzinski.
“We are thrilled to have Harry Connick Jr. playing Daddy Warbucks,” Greenblatt said in a statement. “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.”
A musician and actor, Connick has won three Grammy Awards and two Emmy Awards. He last performed on Broadway in 2019 in Harry Connick, Jr.: A Celebration of Cole Porter. He released his latest studio album Alone With My Faith in early 2021.