Original Broadway Anna: Gertrude Lawrence
Gertrude Lawrence originated the role of Anna Leonowens in the 1951 Broadway musical The King and I. She reprised the role in the original London West End production and in the 1956 film adaptation.
Film Anna: Deborah Kerr
Deborah Kerr portrayed Anna in the 1956 film The King and I, opposite Yul Brynner as the King. Her performance earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and remains the most widely seen screen version.
Other Stage and Screen Annas
Broadway and West End productions have featured other Annas, including Constance Carpenter, Dorothy Sarnoff, and later revivals. Television and concert versions have also cast different performers in the role.
For casting details and production history, see IBDB.
