Free Republic

Annette Funicello, the most popular Mouseketeer on “The Mickey Mouse Club,” who matured to a successful career in records and ’60s beach party movies but struggled with illness in middle age and after, died Monday, The Walt Disney Co. said. She was 70. She died peacefully at Mercy Southwest Hospital in Bakersfield, Calif., of complications from multiple sclerosis, the company said. Funicello stunned fans and friends in 1992 with the announcement about her ailment. Yet she was cheerful and upbeat, grappling with the disease with a courage that contrasted with her lightweight teen image of old. The pretty, dark-haired Funicello...

"Annette Funicello, long-time Disney and Beach Party star, passed away on Monday April 8 at Mercy Southwest Hospital in Bakersfield, CA, at the age of 70," her rep said in a statement. "She died peacefully from complications due to Multiple Sclerosis, a disease she battled for over 25 years."

Annette Funicello, the 1950s and '60s-era Mickey Mouse Club Mouseketeer who went on to star in a variety of beach movies with Frankie Avalon, has died from complications related to multiple sclerosis. She was 70. Disney confirmed the death on Twitter on Monday, and then released the following statement: Actress Annette Funicello, long-time Disney and Beach Party star, passed away on Monday April 8 at Mercy Southwest Hospital in Bakersfield, CA, at the age of 70. She died peacefully from complications due to Multiple Sclerosis, a disease she battled for over 25 years. Beloved by television viewers in the 50s...

<p>Sad to report 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.</p>