Annette Funicello was an American actress and singer, best known for her role as a Mouseketeer on the original Mickey Mouse Club television show in the 1950s. Born on October 22, 1942, in Utica, New York, she quickly became a beloved figure in children's entertainment, captivating audiences with her charm and talent. In addition to her work on television, Funicello starred in several popular beach party films during the 1960s, often alongside Frankie Avalon. She continued to perform throughout her life, but her career was affected by her battle with multiple sclerosis, which she publicly disclosed in 1992. Annette Funicello passed away on April 8, 2013.