The “old Popeyes lady,” also known as Annie, portrayed by actress Deidrie Henry, hasn’t appeared in recent commercials as the company has shifted its marketing strategy.
Deidrie Henry, the actress who played the role of Annie, the Popeyes spokeswoman, became a familiar face through the brand’s advertising campaigns. She portrayed a warm and hospitable character who was often seen promoting the Louisiana-style menu of Popeyes. However, in recent years, Popeyes has decided to change its marketing approach, which is not uncommon in the fast-food industry as brands continually seek to refresh their image and connect with their audience in new ways.
The shift in Popeyes’ marketing strategy meant that the character of Annie was phased out of the commercials. This change coincided with the introduction of new products, such as the highly popular Popeyes chicken sandwich, which gained widespread attention and sparked a social media frenzy in 2019. The marketing campaigns around the sandwich and other new offerings have focused more on the products themselves rather than the personalities that once represented the brand.
While Deidrie Henry is no longer the face of Popeyes in their latest advertising efforts, she remains an accomplished actress with a career that spans television, film, and theater. Her portrayal of Annie left a lasting impression on many Popeyes customers, and she continues to be associated with the warm and friendly image that the brand cultivated during her time as their spokeswoman.