Annette Funicello, an original member of the 1950’s ‘Mickey Mouse Club’, died Monday in a California hospital after battling multiple sclerosis for over 25 years. She was 70.
The iconic teen celebrity had a background in dance and was personally selected at age 13 by Walt Disney to become one of first Mouseketeers to be featured on a variety show geared to children.
Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger issued a statement, “She was and always will be a cherished member of the Disney family, synonymous with the word Mouseketeer, and a true Disney Legend.”
Annette went on to appear with teen heartthrob Frankie Avalon in 60’s beach party films that landed her several singles on the Top-40 charts, including ‘Tall Paul’ and ‘How Will I know My Love.’
She married rancher Glen Holt in 1986 and was diagnosed a year later with multiple sclerosis. She disclosed her illness in 1992 and slowly withdrew from public appearances as her condition deteriorated at the end of that decade.
Besides her husband, she is survived by three children — Gina, Jack Jr. and Jason — from her first marriage to Jack Gilardi, which ended in 1981.
Gilardi said, “It hurts me deeply in the passing of Annette. She was such an important love in my life and blessed me with three beautiful children. I will remember her always and she will live in my heart forever.”
Check out the iconic song that the Mouseketeers performed at the end of each show:
Photos: Facebook-Annette Funicello