(CNN) — Actress Annette Funicello, longtime Disney and “Beach Party” star, died Monday at age 70 in Bakersfield, California, according to the Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases, Inc., and the Official Disney Fan Club.
In a statement, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Co. Bob Iger said Annette Funicello, who died Monday, “was and always will be a cherished member of the Disney family, synonymous with the word Mousketeer, and a true Disney Legend.” The statement continues: “She will forever hold a place in our hearts as one of Walt Disney’s brightest stars, delighting an entire generation of baby boomers with her jubilant personality and endless talent. Annette was well known for being as beautiful inside as she was on the outside, and she faced her physical challenges with dignity, bravery and grace. All of us at Disney join with family, friends, and fans around the world in celebrating her extraordinary life.”
