Watch out the world, because Celina Smith is everywhere!
The 13-year-old star stole the show as Annie on NBC’s Annie Live! Airs Thursday, December 2. He beat out numerous other young hopefuls for the role in a nationwide search and was first announced as the lead in August. “It’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of the talented young ladies who played Annie before me, and I can’t wait to start this journey,” Smith said in a statement at the time.
Smith is the latest actress to take on the role. Young stars such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Alicia Morton and Quvenzhané Wallis also rose to prominence playing the character Annie from the famous comic book Little Orphan Annie.
While Smith captivated audiences with her performance alongside Taraji P. Henson and Harry Connick Jr., it wasn’t her first time in the spotlight. In fact, Smith started with another notable musical.
Learn more facts about this talented young star.
During filming for Annie Live! Taking place in New York, Smith is from Atlanta.
entertainment. Since then, she’s toured with The Lion King as a young Nora and appeared in Tyler Perry’s series Young Dylan.
When talking to Young Entertainment Magazine about her acting inspirations, Smith listed three notable stars. “I love Viola Davis, Angela Bassett and Marseille Martin because they’ve all accomplished a lot and are really good actresses,” she told the publication. “I love what Marsai has done with Little. I hope to make them proud and hope to meet Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Bassett one day!”
In addition to acting inspiration, Smith also looked up to Billie Eilish as a singer. She even shared “My Future” on her personal YouTube channel.
she already knows what she wants to do next
Smith may be young, but she already has a clear vision for her career. Among other films, Smith told Young Entertainment Magazine, “I really want to be a comedian like Tiffany Haddish.” As for her dream cast, she’d love to work with Marseille Martin or Will Smith.
