Annette Joanne Funicello (born October 22, 1942 – died April 8, 2013) was an American actress and singer. She began her career at age 12 as a Mouseketeer on the original Mickey Mouse Club.
As a teen, she recorded pop hits like “O Dio Mio”, “First Name Initial”, “Tall Paul”, and “Pineapple Princess” under the name Annette. In the 1960s, she starred in Beach Party films with Frankie Avalon. In 1992, she announced her multiple sclerosis diagnosis and died from complications in 2013.
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Annette Funicello Net Worth
Annette Funicello had a net worth of $10 million at the time of her death in 2013. She began her professional career at age 12 as a Mouseketeer on the original Mickey Mouse Club. She achieved success as a singer with hit singles like “O Dio Mio”, “Tall Paul”, and “Pineapple Princess”.
As an actress, she starred with Frankie Avalon in the Beach Party film series in the 1960s. Her ranch house was located on 80 acres and sold for $8.5 million in December 2020.
Early life
Annette Joanne Funicello was born in Utica, New York, to Virginia Jeanne (née Albano) and Joseph Edward Funicello. Her family moved to Southern California when she was four years old. She was of Italian American heritage.
Career
Funicello took dancing and music lessons as a child to overcome shyness. In 1955, at age 12, she was discovered by Walt Disney after performing in Swan Lake at the Starlight Bowl in Burbank, California. She became one of the original Mouseketeers, personally selected by Disney.
She signed a seven-year contract starting at $160/week, rising to $500/week. Funicello received 6,000 letters/month, more than any Mouseketeer. She starred in serials like Adventure in Dairyland, Spin and Marty, and Walt Disney Presents: Annette, co-starring Richard Deacon.
Personal life
Funicello was married to Jack L. Gilardi (1930–2019) from 1965 to 1981, and they had three children: Gina Portman (born 1965), Jack Jr. (born 1970), and Jason (born 1974). In 1986, she married Glen D. Holt (1930–2018), a California harness racing horse breeder/trainer.
The couple regularly attended harness horse races at Los Alamitos Race Course and Fairplex in Pomona during the 1980s and 1990s. In March 2011, her Encino, California home caught fire, causing smoke inhalation. She later lived in a modest ranch near Shafter, California.
How old was Annette when she was diagnosed with MS?
In early 1987, at around 45 years old, Annette Funicello began experiencing dizziness, headaches, and balance issues while promoting the film Back to the Beach with Frankie Avalon. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis that same year.
Conclusion
Annette Funicello’s net worth reflects a life spent in the limelight, but her true legacy is the joy and entertainment she provided to millions. Her talent, charm, and courage continue to inspire.
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FAQs about Annette Funicello Net Worth
- What was Annette Funicello’s net worth?
- Annette Funicello had a net worth of $10 million at the time of her death in 2013.
- Why was Annette Funicello famous?
- She gained fame as a Mouseketeer on the “Mickey Mouse Club” and as a teen idol in beach party films.
- How did Annette Funicello earn her wealth?
- She earned her wealth through her acting and singing career, particularly through her work with Disney and her music.
- What led to Annette Funicello’s death?
- She passed away from complications due to multiple sclerosis, a disease she had been battling for over 25 years.
- Did Annette Funicello continue to make money after her acting career?
- While she was less active in her later years due to her illness, her legacy and previous works continued to contribute to her net worth.
