Annette Funicello was born on October 22, 1942, in Utica, New York to Virginia and Joseph – both Italian Americans. When she was four years old, her family relocated to Southern California. Annette grew up with a love of dancing and entertaining.

When she was just 12 years old she was cast as the lead in a local production of the ballet Swan Lake. Walt Disney saw her perform and immediately invited her to audition for a new series he was casting for: Mickey Mouse Club. Seeing her potential, Disney hired her right on the spot. In October the same year Mickey Mouse Club premiered and became a huge hit. Annette quickly became a fan favorite.

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