So long, Annette Funicello

Annette Funicello, an original Mousketeer and star of many a beach blanket movie in the 1960s, has passed away, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Funicello, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1987 and became a spokeswoman for treatment of the disease, died Monday at Mercy Southwest Hospital in Bakersfield, Calif., the Walt Disney Co. announced. She has been absent from the public eye for many years.

Although single names were not in vogue at the time, her popularity was so wide and her personality so familiar that she was “Annette.” No last name needed.

The quintessence of innocence, mixed with dark good looks and beguiling charm, she was a male ideal and a female role model. Wholesome in the best sense, Funicello was drive-ins, sock hops, beach parties and malted milks -- the personification of a seemingly innocent era.

Here's a great clip of Annette with the Beach Boys: