Annie, the original Popeyes lady, is still alive but no longer actively appears in commercials. She was a fictional character played by actress Deidrie Henry.
Annie was introduced in Popeyes commercials around 2009 and quickly became a recognizable face of the brand. The character was portrayed as a friendly and hospitable Louisiana woman who took pride in the food served at Popeyes. Deidrie Henry, the actress behind Annie, brought warmth and authenticity to the role, helping to solidify the brand’s image of serving homemade-tasting, Southern-style cooking.
Despite the character’s popularity, Popeyes decided to take a different direction with their advertising. As a result, the character of Annie was phased out of the commercials. This shift in marketing strategy is not uncommon in the fast-food industry, as companies often refresh their branding to attract new customers and stay relevant in a competitive market.
Deidrie Henry, meanwhile, has continued her acting career. She has appeared in various television shows, movies, and stage productions. Her role as Annie in Popeyes commercials remains one of her most recognized works, but it is just one part of her diverse acting portfolio. The decision to retire the character was a strategic choice by Popeyes and did not reflect on Henry’s performance or the popularity of the character she played.