Annette Funicello Then
Annette Funicello is arguably the most famous of all the Mouseketeers. She was one of the only kids to have been discovered by Walt Disney himself while she was performing in a dance recital in Swan Lake. She quickly became a favorite of viewers everywhere. On the show, in addition to dance routines and various sketches she also appeared in multiple serials including, Adventure in Dairyland and Walt Disney Presents: Annette.
Annette was soon catapulted to fame. She appeared in the Disney film Babes in Toyland as “Mary Contrary.” For a while, she was under contract with Disney and appeared in various shows like Zorro. She later moved on into full teen idol status especially because of her Beach Party series of films with co-star Frankie Avalon. Sadly, despite her amazing fame and popularity, Annette was not to have a charmed life…
