Rest in peace, Annette Funicello! You were a big part of my childhood. I won’t forget Saturday afternoons, in front of the TV, watching you and Frankie Avalon doing the twist on the beach!
Extra confirms the actress’s death, due to complications of multiple sclerosis:
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.
Her family confirmed to “Extra” that Funicello died from complications of multiple sclerosis. They were by her side at a Bakersfield hospital when she was taken off life support. Funicello had been in an MS coma for years.
Funicello’s only daughter, Gina Gilardi, said in a statement, “She’s on her toes dancing in heaven… no more MS. My brothers and I were there, holding her sweet hands when she left us.”
There are a TON of fun videos on You Tube of Annette, chronicalling her long career on TV and in the movies. I pulled a few to post here.
Annette dancing a ballet number on the Mickey Mouse club in the 50s
Annette sings her hit “Tall Paul” on American Bandstand. This is very very stange, with Dick Clark dancing and pulling puppet Annette on marionette stings.
Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon sing a love song, “Because You’re You” on the beach. Well OK they are on a soundstage and it’s super cheesy, but that was the charm.
Annette and the Beach Boys perform – From her movie “The Monkey’s Uncle”. SUPER DUPER CHEESY.
Annette’ last major gig…as the Skippy Peanut butter spokes person in the 70’s and 80’s
