Former ‘Mouseketeer’ Annette Funicello Dead at 70

Extra TV ^ | 04/08/2013 | artem55

[Artem55]

Actress Annette Funicello, best known as a child performer on the original “Mickey Mouse Club” and for her beach movies with Frankie Avalon, died on Monday. She was 70.

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[Sarah Barracuda]

I was just thinking about her recently, wondering how she is doing..so sad..she suffered with MS for 25 years, suffered with dignity and grace.

[xrmusn]

RIP. Feeling kinda old right now.
== = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Yes, another link to my ‘glorious yute’ passes.

She was a bit younger (3 yrs) so naturally I was too ‘old’ to watch “The Mickey Mouse Club”.

I am a ‘turtle’ and also a member of the ‘stomach club’.

If you don’t belong to the ‘stomach club’, you must turn your belly button in.

[MinuteGal]

In 2012, Annette had spent 15 years out of the public eye. Her disease had severly damaged her nervous system.

She lost the ability to talk and walk. She required round-the-clock care in 2009 to survive.

In 1983, this generous and caring lady had opened the Annette Funicello Fund for Neurological Disorders in conjuction with a California foundation.

She fought the good fight....all the while thinking of others with her foundation work and fund-raising.

RIP, sweet Annette.

Leni

[ClearCase_guy]

Paul Anka made a crass announcement about a week ago, related to a book he is shilling. It might have shown a little class for him to have waited just a bit. But I guess he just had to gossip.

RIP to Annette

[AngelesCrestHighway]

R.I.P.

[JPG]

Annette checks out on "Fun With Music Day".

RIP

[Carriage Hill]

I remember her from the 50s MMC; RIP Annette.

[mlizzy]

Beach Blanket Bingo!

All of my galpals loved Annette. Finally she's released of her sufferings. RIP Annette... ♥

[onyx]

I was just talking about her yesterday with DrO! It’s like a premonition....scary. We talked about her MS. She was a lovely and warm lady (and girl) who loved her family. Fame never went to her head. I feel very sad. God bless her sweet soul.

[Carriage Hill]

You and me, both.

[dfwgator]

I almost feel relieved that her suffering is finally over.

[nutmeg]

Sad day... Rest in Peace, Annette...

[Sarah Barracuda]

The last story I read about Annette is what I saw online about her in that trashy Globe Magazine..I really hope she did not see that in her final days..back in the day the Mickey Mouse Club didnt have actors who went on to take their clothes off or act like sluts, they had actual talent. I remember when Annette was on an episode of Full House with Frankie Avalon..even as she got older she always looked so young. God Bless her soul

[beelzepug]

“RIP. Feeling kinda old right now.”

No kidding. For those of us who were lucky enough to have a TV in those days, she was a real treat.

Compare and contrast the old and the new.
1950’s MMC: Annette Funicello, all class; 1990’s MMC: Brittney Spears, no class.

[AppyPappy]

Despite their weaknesses, the various Beach movies were a significant societal turning point.

[elcid1970]

My wife was diagnosed with MS in 1991 and died ten years later. She was only 49. Annette was her hero and she read everything she could about Annette’s struggle with the disease.

I hope they are conversing in Heaven now.

[ScottinVA]

She was an absolutely beautiful person... loved her as a kid. Annette was a true all-American girl! RIP Annette.

[ScottinVA]

God, I had such a crush on her. May her sweet soul rest in peace.....

Good God, so did I... LOVED seeing her in those beach movies!

[Gator113]

Me too.

I had such a crush on her when I was a young boy.... even in black & white.

[liberalh8ter]

I blame Paul Anka.....RIP Annette.