Celebrity Nooz: Annette Funicello

Anette Funicello (Actress) - The Mickey Mouse Club

Updated: 03/13/2005

Name: Annette Funicello

Born: October 22, 1942 in Utica, New York

Claim To Fame: Annette got her start as a Mouskateer in the Mickey Mouse Club. She quickly grew to be one of the most popular. I'd have to say to this day she might be the most popular Mouskateer ever.

It's interesting to not that she was the last one chosen to be a Mousketeer. She was the 24th chosen of the 24 kids.

She then moved on to be a teen idol, starring with Frankie Avalon in the Beach movies. In fact her and Frankie starred in 8 movies together. I sure loved those and still will watch them whenever they are on.

Family Life: Family Life: Glen Holt - May 1986 - present
Jack Gilardi - January 1965 - 1981) (divorced) 3 children

Info: Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1987. In 1999, she underwent brain surgery to slow down the tremors which result from her MS.

She started the Annette Funicello Fund for Neurological Disorders. Click Here to Visit the Site

Trivia: Her son, Jason Gilardi, is the drummer for the rock band, "Caroline's Spine", who were once signed to the Disney owned label, Hollywood Records.

When she made the various beach pictures for American International Pictures (AIP), she was still technically under contract to Disney, doing the AIP films on a loan-out basis, something of which Walt Disney always emphatically reminded her.

To that end, Walt Disney asked her to not wear a bikini and instead wear a one-piece swimsuit because she had an image to uphold. She agreed.

Her favorite TV series was Zorro. For her birthday one year, Walt Disney (who knew she was a fan of the show) arranged to have her guest star on one episode.

She always called Walt Disney "Mr. Disney".

She told in a 1975 interview about the price of fame. She had to really stay close to home because wherever she went with her parents, if it were the store or church, people would begin to sing the Mickey Mouse Club song of "M-i-C-K-E-Y" and it bothered her at the time. Then years ater when she would go to get her daughter at school all her daughter's little friends would sing the song "M-I-C-K-E-Y" and it made her feel good.

Where Are They Now: Annette's condition has deteriorated due to MS and her life is now filled with constant struggle. Even breathing can be difficult.

She doesn't get out much anymore. Her last public appearance that I can find was back in 1999.

She has a collectable bear business.

Frankie Avalon says that everywhere he goes people ask
him about Annette.

Write To Annette Funicello:
Annette Funicello
16102 Sandy Ln.
Encino, CA 91316

View other 'Where Are They Now' celebrities

Read the latest issue of Celebrity Nooz

Subscribe!