Vale: Annette Funicello

Annette Funicello, one of America’s original “Mouseketeers” has died after a 25-year battle with multiple sclerosis, aged 70.

Funicello grew up in California and, at the age of 12, was cast as a Mouseketeer in The Mickey Mouse Club after being spotted by Walt Disney.

She soon became the show’s standout star after its 1955 premiere, and remained with the series until it ended in 1960.

She was the only Mouseketeer Disney kept under contract after the show ended and he even created a series for her, Walt Disney Presents: Annette.

After her contract with Disney ended, Funicello embarked on a recording career and co-starred alongside teen idol Frankie Avalon in Beach Blanket Bingo, Bikini Beach, Pajama Party and How to Stuff a Wild Bikini.

In 1992 she announced that she was suffering from MS and was later confined to a wheelchair, robbed of the ability to walk and speak.

“Annette was and always will be a cherished member of the Disney family, synonymous with the word ‘Mouseketeer,’ and a true Disney legend,” Disney chief Bob Iger said in a statement.

Source: NY Post