'Annie' comic strip ending after 85 years

[May 14, 2010]  CHICAGO (AP) -- The iconic redheaded orphan Annie is ending her time on newspaper comics pages after 85 years.

Tribune Media Services announced Thursday that it will cease syndication of the "Annie" strip on June 13.

The company said in a news release it is taking Annie into the Internet age by pursuing new audiences for her in digital media.

The comic strip "Little Orphan Annie" made its newspaper debut on Aug. 5, 1924, first written and illustrated by creator Harold Gray. The strip later was renamed simply "Annie." The spunky orphan was adopted by Daddy Warbucks and later joined by her lovable dog Sandy.

Annie is known for wearing a red dress with white collar and cuffs. Over decades she has become the center of a radio program, Broadway musical and movies.

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On the Net: Tribune Media Services: http://www.tribunemediaservices.com/

[Associated Press]

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