Annette Funicello (1942 – 2013)

Original Mouseketeer Annette Funicello passed away at age 70 after being in a coma for several years due to complications from multiple sclerosis.  She was part of the original Mickey Mouse Club and then want on to play America’s sweetheart and a teen fantasy in movies like “Beach Party”, “Bikini Beach” and “Beach Blanket Bingo” with her co-star Frankie Avalon.

She was the Mouseketeer that rose above the rest and became the reason why kids would tune in to see the adorable girl wearing mouse ears during the 1950’s. Before her movie career even began, Annette Funicello had become an beloved icon of American culture.

Her “Beach” movies were good clean fun. And she rose to the status of an American role model while still enticing male audiences as the bikini wearing girlfriend every guy would to have. At one point or another, the entire country had a crush on Annette Funicello.