Annette Joanne Funicello was an American actress and singer, who played Allison D'Allessio in The Shaggy Dog, Jennifer in The Misadventures of Merlin Jones and The Monkey's Uncle, and Mary Contrary in Babes in Toyland. She also played Anita Cabrillo in Zorro, hosted two episodes of The Mouse Factory ("Mickey Mouse" and "Penguins"), and was one of the original Mouseketeers in the Mickey Mouse Club. She sang several songs written by the Sherman Brothers and released under the Disneyland and Buena Vista record labels, such as "Tall Paul", "Pineapple Princess", "How Will I Know My Love", and "Don't Jump to Conclusions".
In the holding area for Muppet*Vision 3D, one of the many pun-inspired props is "a net full of Jello."
On April 8, 2013, she died of complications from multiple sclerosis.
Out of respect to her contributions to Disney history (and in reference to her non-Disney "Beach Party" films of the 1960s with Frankie Avalon), the 2013 Disney Channel Original Movie Teen Beach Movie was dedicated to her memory.
Filmography[]
Roles[]
Gallery[]
Annette in front of the Mickey Mouse Club's Clubhouse
Annette as a Mousekeeter with Bandleader Mickey
The Annette Funciello Stage as an honor to her Mickey Mouse Club role as a Mouseketeer and notable Disney film roles
Annette Funicello with Doreen Tracey
Annette Funicello with fellow Mouseketeer Bobby Burgess
Annette with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse guest actor Wally Boag
Dinah Shore with Sharon Baird, Doreen, Annette, Cubby O'Brien, Darlene Gillespie, and Karen Pendleton at a benefit in Spring of 1956.
Annette with John Fraser and Janet Munro (the cast of The Horsemasters)
Shirley Temple presenting the Academy Juvenile Award for Hayley Mills' performance in Pollyanna. Annette accepts on Mills' behalf.
Annette in "Disneyland After Dark".
Annette in The Mickey Mouse Anniversary Show.
Annette in The Mouseketeer Reunion.
Annette in The Mickey Mouse Club Story.
Annette appearing in A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes: The Annette Funicello Story.
Andrea Nemeth as a young Annette in A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes: The Annette Funicello Story.
Eva LaRue as Annette in A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes: The Annette Funicello Story.
Trivia[]
- The Disney Village restaurant, Annette's Diner, is named in honor of her.
- Her life story is the main focus of the television film A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes: The Annette Funicello Story, based her own autobiography.
