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Andrea McArdle

Andrea McArdle (born November 5, 1963) is an American singer and actress best known for originating the role of Annie in the Broadway musical Annie. McArdle was born in Philadelphia. While studying dance as a child, she was spotted by a talent agent who got her work in a number of television commercials, which led to her two-and-a-half year stint on the soap opera Search for Tomorrow. She also appeared on Al Alberts Showcase, a local televised talent show in Philadelphia. McArdle's break came in early 1977 when she was pulled from the chorus of orphans to replace Kristen Vigard, the original Annie in the Broadway musical Annie, during rehearsals. The show was a critical and commercial smash, and she became the youngest performer ever to be nominated for a Tony Award as Best Lead Actress in a Musical. She lost to co-star Dorothy Loudon—who played Miss Hannigan—but did receive the Theater World and Outer Critics' Circle Awards for her performance. In April 1978, she opened in London's West End production. She appeared several times on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1977-79, on one occasion accompanied by Liberace. She also appeared more than once on the Mike Douglas Show, singing with Kristy McNichol, Stephanie Mills, Liberace and Don Rickles. She also appeared on Welcome Back Kotter, playing Arnold Horshack's younger sister. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


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Born:
Nov 5, 1963 In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Movie/TV Credits:
8
First Appeared:
In the series Search for Tomorrow 1951-09-03
Latest Project:
Movie On Broadway 2019-10-12
Known For
Poster of My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies
Poster of Annie
Poster of Rainbow
Poster of Search for Tomorrow
Filmography
Movie On Broadway Self (archive footage) 2019-10-12
Movie Russian Broadway Shut Down 2014-01-23
Movie Listen to Her Heart: The Life and Music of Laurie Beechman Self 2003-03-31
Movie Broadway's Lost Treasures Annie (segment "Annie") 2003-08-10
Movie Annie Star-To-Be 1999-11-07
Movie My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies Self - Performer 1999-12-01
Movie Rainbow Judy Garland 1978-11-06
Series Search for Tomorrow Wendy Wilkins 1951-09-03