On this day in 1942, perky child star Annette Funicello is born in Utica, New York. Funicello became a featured Mouseketeer on Disney’s Mickey Mouse Club and later starred in several Disney features, including The Shaggy Dog (1959). Her popularity continued into her teenage years. She starred in a series of beach movies with singer Frankie Avalon, including Beach Party in 1963 and Muscle Beach Party in 1964. Decades later, the pair reunited in Back to the Beach (1987).

perky child star Annette Funicello is born in Utica, New York. Funicello became a featured Mouseketeer on Disney’s Mickey Mouse Club and later starred in several Disney features, including The Shaggy Dog (1959). Her popularity continued into her teenage years. She starred in a series of beach movies with singer Frankie Avalon, including Beach Party in 1963 and Muscle Beach Party in 1964. Decades later, the pair reunited in Back to the Beach (1987).