Original Mouseketeer Annette Funicello passed away today at the age of 70. Her passing marks the end in a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Annette was an iconic actress of her era, and will be deeply missed by her fans throughout the world.
Annette has always held a special place in my heart. I grew up watching her beach movies with Frankie Avalon, and loved seeing old episodes of her Mickey Mouse Club days. Her 1980’s film, Back to the Beach, will always be a favorite. As a child I associated her with the Disney Company is much the same way as I associated Walt, Annette was, to me, the female face of Disney.
Throughout her career and battle with MS she was forever the face of poise and compassion. It was easy to see that everyone that knew her loved her, and that she equally loved them. She was truly a star.
If we had more Annette’s in today’s Hollywood, it would be a much nicer place to be.
I hope she and Walt are busy planning Heaven’s own Mickey Mouse Club.
