Teaneck Actress Makes TV Debut In 'Annie Live!' on NBC

TEANECK, NJ — You can bet your bottom dollar that tonight Teaneck actress Sophie Knapp will make her television debut on NBC’s real-time broadcast of “Annie Live!”

At just 13 years old, Knapp will portray Julia — one of the children at the orphanage who is “the sweet mother figure to her fellow orphans.” The star-studded cast includes actors such as Celine Smith as Annie, Taraji P. Henson as Miss Hannigan, Harry Connick, Jr. as Daddy Warbucks, Nicole Scherzinger as Grace, and Tituss Burgess as Rooster.

The television special based on the 1977 Broadway musical “Annie” will air on Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. on NBC.

Knapp is also not the only New Jersey resident that will perform tonight. This includes fellow orphans Cate Elefante (Kate) from Florham Park who has appeared in “Waitress” on Broadway, as well as ensemble member Jadaya Bivins of Toms River.

Although Knapp is seemingly just starting her career, she has already appeared in a number of acting roles. She starred in the Hulu series “Blindspot,” and the films “The Assistant,” “Murder Manual” and “Brighton Beach.” Most recently, she played Helen Haft in “The Survivor” directed by Barry Levinson.

Last year, Knapp performed at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ in the play “Chasing Rainbows.” In an interview with (201) Magazine, Knapp said performing at the Paper Mill has been her favorite acting experience so far.

She also shouted out EJ’s and Schnitzel Plus as some of her favorite restaurants in Bergen County.

Knapp posted this trailer for “Annie Live!” on her Instagram.