Meredith Dawn Salenger (born 14 March 1970) is an American actress identified by her performances while a teenager. Her best known role was the title role in the 1985 Disney film The Journey of Natty Gann. Salenger was born and raised in Malibu, California. As a child she enjoyed performing in front of her family and friends. Her mother took her to her first acting class when she was eight years old. Her first role was a small part as a 'singing and dancing orphan' in the feature film Annie directed by John Huston.