Annette Funicello

Short Biography

Born in Utica, New York, on October 22, 1942, actress and singer Annette Funicello's family relocated to southern California following the end of World War II. After several years of music and dance lessons, Annette was spotted by Walt Disney and asked to audition for a new show, The Mickey Mouse Club. She was hired, and the show made its debut in 1955. She stayed with Disney for about ten years, making many films, TV appearances, and records.By the early 1960s, Annette had embarked on the second leg of her career, acting in American International beach party films along with Frankie Avalon. In 1965, during her beach party run, she married her agent, Jack Gilardi. Annette Funicello's marriage to Gilardi ended in 1981 after sixteen years and three children. Her film appearances had become more sporadic after she started a family. By the early 1970s, she had become a commercial spokesperson for a variety of products and remained closely tied to Disney. In 1986, Annette married her second husband, Glen Holt, and started making plans for a new film in which she would act and produce alongside Frankie Avalon. Sadly, while making this film, Back to the Beach, in 1987, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She waited five years before publicly disclosing her condition. Illness aside, she started two different businesses focusing on collectable bears and perfume. Her line of stuffed bears has been particularly successful, and some of the retired designs now fetch high prices. Toward the end of her life, Annette Funicello could no longer walk or speak, due to the ravages of her illness. Sadly, she passed away on April 8, 2013, at the age of 70. She is survived by her husband Glen Holt, daughter Gina, and sons Jason and Jack.