Annette FunicelloAnnette Funicello was 12 when Walt Disney discovered her at a ballet-class recital at the Burbank Starlight Bowl in the spring of 1955. He was scouting children for "The Mickey Mouse Club" and she soon became one of the exclusive club's all-time most popular members. As a Mouseketeer, she never considered herself the prettiest girl or the best dancer. But her friendly, unpretentious smile dazzled audiences. When the show ended, she turned to pop music with a rather thin voice. But it was echoed and multiplied in the recording studio to create the "Annette sound" that fans loved. Barely 20, with a voluptuous figure, she starred with Frankie Avalon in "Beach Party," the first surf movie. Although she never bared her navel — her promise to Disney — the film was a huge hit and launched a string of sequels with Avalon. Then, in her mid-20s—at the peak of her fame—she retired for the life of the typical Valley mom: car-pooling to school and softball games while raising a daughter and two sons. Not until 1987 did she make a feature film comeback with the nostalgic spoof "Back to the Beach." Reviews were favorable, and a sequel was in the works when her lucky star dimmed. Multiple sclerosis forced her to retire. Now in a wheelchair, she is still perky—and quite lovely—as she makes appearances on behalf of charitable causes.
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Four thoughts about Annette Funicello
Annette Funicello is a beautiful person. She definitely deserves a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! She is a role model. I admire her. Today there are very few role models. I hope Annette has a close relationship with her children. Chillicothe, Oh. 45601
I grew up watching Annette on the old MMC. What fourteen year old boy would not fall in love with that sweetheart? (smile)
Annette deserves a star just as much as anyone else that has one. she is well remembered much more then some of the stars.
thanks
i met annette and her mother and father when i was about 15 years old in san antonio texas at the geranada hotel.this was in about 1955 or 1956 she had done a show here.i called to all the maine hotels looking for her.but i could not find her.i talked to bobby rydel at a hotel and he told me where she was. i called her the next day to meet her.i went to the hotel and we talked about one hour.then she had to catch a plaine. i have not seen or talk to her again. it would nice if i could talk to her befour i pass on. but it may never be posable.i know that she very well none and security is good around her.some times a dream will come true. all i can do is dream and hope that some day it would come true. i still live in san antonio texas. i will be 71 october 19 2012.there is a lot more to this story. i will leave my phone number in hopes my dream will come true some day.billy.
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