In 1955, the Mickey Mouse
Club debuted on television. I was 4 years old. I fell in love (?) with Annette.
And so did all of America. She had no last name. To me, she was Annette.
On Monday, this child star that grew up very quickly, passed away from multiple sclerosis, which is a very debilitating disease. Annette Funnicello was a brave soul, who endured much in her final years and chose not to complain about her fate.
Walt Disney selected her personally to be on his show, whose audience was geared to young children and preteens across the country. She was featured as a singer and actress. She started in the second and third installments of Disney's serial, Spin and Marty. She also was in Disney's movie production of Zorro.
In the late 50s, a young, up and coming songwriter tried to date Annette, but he was blocked from doing so by the overprotective Walt Disney. The songwriter was Paul Anka, who wrote Puppy Love in her honor.
During the 60s, she starred in the Beach Party movies with Frankie Avalon. When Walt found out, he asked her to wear a discreet and proper bathing suit, covering her navel. After all, she was a Disney protégé'.
In the 70s, Annette did the Skippy peanut butter commercials, which kept her in the public eye. And we loved it. After all, Annette was America's sweetheart. She even was the subject of a song in the movie Grease, sung by Stockard Channing.
In the late 80s, Annette and Frankie did a movie which spoofed the Beach Party movies. It was at this time she was diagnosed with the disease that would ultimately kill her. Finally, in 1993, Annette Funnicello told the world she was suffering from this horrible illness. The reason she made this known was because of the stories circulating that she had a drinking problem.
She retired to a private life after that announcement, rarely making any public appearance. When she did, it was to let her fans know she was doing fine and to thank her supporters for their kindnesses.
So in words of the Mickey Mouse Club closing song... M I C.... See you real soon, K E Y.... Why? Because we like you. Annette, America will always like you and more than just a few young boys who had a crush on you those many years ago, will always have a special spot in their hearts for you.
Goodbye, Annette.
On Monday, this child star that grew up very quickly, passed away from multiple sclerosis, which is a very debilitating disease. Annette Funnicello was a brave soul, who endured much in her final years and chose not to complain about her fate.
Walt Disney selected her personally to be on his show, whose audience was geared to young children and preteens across the country. She was featured as a singer and actress. She started in the second and third installments of Disney's serial, Spin and Marty. She also was in Disney's movie production of Zorro.
In the late 50s, a young, up and coming songwriter tried to date Annette, but he was blocked from doing so by the overprotective Walt Disney. The songwriter was Paul Anka, who wrote Puppy Love in her honor.
During the 60s, she starred in the Beach Party movies with Frankie Avalon. When Walt found out, he asked her to wear a discreet and proper bathing suit, covering her navel. After all, she was a Disney protégé'.
In the 70s, Annette did the Skippy peanut butter commercials, which kept her in the public eye. And we loved it. After all, Annette was America's sweetheart. She even was the subject of a song in the movie Grease, sung by Stockard Channing.
In the late 80s, Annette and Frankie did a movie which spoofed the Beach Party movies. It was at this time she was diagnosed with the disease that would ultimately kill her. Finally, in 1993, Annette Funnicello told the world she was suffering from this horrible illness. The reason she made this known was because of the stories circulating that she had a drinking problem.
She retired to a private life after that announcement, rarely making any public appearance. When she did, it was to let her fans know she was doing fine and to thank her supporters for their kindnesses.
So in words of the Mickey Mouse Club closing song... M I C.... See you real soon, K E Y.... Why? Because we like you. Annette, America will always like you and more than just a few young boys who had a crush on you those many years ago, will always have a special spot in their hearts for you.
Goodbye, Annette.
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