Annette Funicello

Annette Funicello (1942–2013) was an American actress and singer best known for her work with Disney. Born in Utica, New York, and raised in Southern California, she became a popular Mouseketeer on *The Mickey Mouse Club* in the 1950s. Disney later cast her in film and television projects, and she also recorded music, including the hit “Tall Paul.” In the 1960s she gained wide recognition starring with Frankie Avalon in the Beach Party film series, beginning with *Beach Party* (1963). In 1992 she publicly disclosed that she had multiple sclerosis. Funicello remains a notable figure in American pop culture.