We Love You, Annette
Sad news this morning, first learned from Disney's D23 announcement on Twitter: Annette Funicello has passed on at the age of 70.
A more detailed post from Disney soon followed, with quotes from Disney CEO and Chairman Bob Iger, Walt Disney's daughter Diane Disney Miller, composer Richard Sherman, and Annette's fellow Mousketeer Sharon Baird.
The beloved Mouseketeer and "Beach Party" star had suffered from multiple sclerosis for decades.
I find this album cover of the "Pineapple Princess" especially delightful:
The ANNETTE serial, which I saw in reruns as a child, was a favorite of mine.
Annette also starred in in other Disney TV shows and films, including THE SHAGGY DOG (1959) and BABES IN TOYLAND (1961).
The Los Angeles Times has published an obituary.
Farewell to a sweet, brave lady loved by all.
Update: D23 has posted a gorgeous photo gallery, and Leonard Maltin has written a tribute.
The theme from THE MONKEY'S UNCLE (1965) is on YouTube, along with a lot of other Annette songs, and here is the New York Times obituary.
Susan King of the L.A. Times has also posted a tribute.
posted by Laura @ 11:30 AM
3 Comments:
Thank you, Laura, for the lovely tribute. I've been teary-eyed all day reading the remembrances of dear, brave Annette. I cherish the two times I saw her in person, first in a July Fourth parade when she was still a Mouseketeer and then years later at Marineland where she was filming a "Skippy" commercial. How lucky we were to grow up in simpler times with idols as genuine as Annette. Sweet dreams, Annette. Jane
Thanks for the good tribute Laura. I enjoy reading and reminiscing about this lovely lady. "Babes in Toyland" will forever be a special movie for my and my sisters. Thanks again.
Whenever my husband comes upon me watching an episode of "The Virginian" with Roberta Shore, he always comments "She was mean to Annette." and we laugh. However, the feeling of affection and wanting to protect Annette are real. It's a sad thing to think of her passing.
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