Annette Funicello

Beyond the Marquee has received news from the Walt Disney Studios that veteran actress and original Mouseketeer, Annette Funicello, has passed away.

Annette Joanne Funicello (born October 22, 1942) was an American actress and singer. Beginning her professional career as a child performer at the age of twelve, Funicello rose to prominence as one of the most popular “Mouseketeers” on the original Mickey Mouse Club. As a teenager, she transitioned to a successful career as a singer with the pop singles “Tall Paul” and “Pineapple Princess”, as well as establishing herself as a film actress, popularizing the successful “Beach Party” genre alongside co-star Frankie Avalon during the mid-1960s.

Annette Funicello died of complications of multiple sclerosis this morning.  She was 70 years old. In lieu of flowers, donations in Annette’s memory can be made to The Annette Funicello Research Fund at annetteconnection.com.