She was the most iconic of Mouseketeers …sorry, Christina, Justin, Britney and Ryan. Actress/singer Annette Funicello has passed away at age 70 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. The breakout star of the original “Mickey Mouse Club” in the 1950s, the chipper but busty teen won the hearts of millions of young fans. She went on to become a star in the 1960s as the co-star of the low budget “Beach Blanket” movies with Frankie Avalon. The perpetually sweet performer was always cast as the ideal “girl next door” and while her retirement from performing due to her MS diagnosis might have disappointed her fans, she always had their respect and love.
A toast to Miss Annette Funicello.
