[2] When she was young, Quinn was introduced to show business by her mother, who was a TV, radio, and stage singer/actress then elementary school teacher.

Quinn begged to audition for a part in a local community theater production of Annie Get Your Gun and won a role.

After obtaining an agent, Quinn won a small role in the film Paternity and commercial work in New York City.

She began appearing in television commercials including Planters Cheez Balls, Shake ‘n Bake and Northern bathroom tissue.

[3] After eight auditions over the course of a year, and up against over 8,000 other competitors,[1] Quinn received the title role in the 1982 movie Annie, directed by John Huston.

[3] Annie earned Quinn two Golden Globe nominations, a win for "Best Actress" from the Youth in Film Awards, and a Razzie for "Worst New Star".

Quinn appeared in a few small roles in independent films between 2006 and 2010, most notably portraying Lily in Annie at Theatre Aspen.

Quinn played a minor role in the 2009 film Multiple Sarcasms which stars Timothy Hutton and Mira Sorvino.