Amanda Bynes to Play Hairspray's Penny on the Big Screen

Amanda Bynes has been cast as the dorky Penny Lou Pingleton in the upcoming big-screen version of the musical Hairspray, according to USA Today. She joins previously announced cast members John Travolta and Queen Latifah.

Bynes began her career in theater at a very young age. She was part of a live comedy show at the Laugh Factory in California when she was discovered at age 11. Bynes rose to popularity in the mid-1990s on Nickelodeon's All That. She was then awarded her own show, The Amanda Show, which aired on Nickelodeon from 1999 to 2002. She starred in the films Big Fat Liar, What a Girl Wants and She's the Man. Bynes is also known for appearing opposite Jennie Garth in the sitcom What I Like About You.

The Hairspray film, directed by Adam Shankman, is expected to begin production in Baltimore and Toronto in September. Release is set for summer 2007.