Andrea McArdle

Andrea McArdle is an American actress and singer best known for originating the role of Annie in the 1977 Broadway production of "Annie." She was the first actress to play the iconic red-haired orphan and became the youngest performer ever nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical at the age of 13.

Born on November 5, 1963, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, McArdle started her career as a child actress, appearing in television commercials and on the show "Search for Tomorrow" before landing her breakout role in "Annie." Her powerful rendition of "Tomorrow" became one of the most famous Broadway songs of all time.

After Annie, McArdle went on to perform in other stage productions, including "Les Misérables," "Starlight Express," "Beauty and the Beast," and "Jerry’s Girls." She has also had a career as a concert performer and cabaret singer.