May 3, 1986
Annette Funicello & Glen Holt

Glen Holt, a California racehorse trainer and breeder married Annette.  We’re talking about “the Annette,” America’s sweetheart, the original Walt Disney phenom, Annette Funicello.

Discovered by Walt Disney as she performed in a dance recital when she was 12 years old, Annette was cast as a Mouseketeer in the original Mickey Mouse Club in 1955. She quickly became the most popular member of the show receiving over 6,000 letters a month. Her fan base was huge.  She was television’s first and possibly only “it” girl.  Whatever Annette did – from starring in a beach film to singing a pop tune – she was loved and adored.

And, probably no one could love and adore Annette more than her husband Glen. Their first year together, he was instrumental in supporting her plans to produce and star in “Back to the Beach” alongside her old buddy, Frankie Avalon.  Later that year, when Annette was diagnosed with MS, Glen became her constant partner helping her fight the condition, raise awareness for the disease, and establish the “Annette Funicello Fund for Neurological Disorders at the California Community Foundation.”

Glen and Annette are a true love story — both gracious, supportive and strong.  Happy Anniversary to this amazing couple!