Many of the famous faces commemorating longtime Encino resident Annette Funicello at the Disney Studios on Monday evening were longtime residents of Sherman Oaks and Studio City.
"It was very touching, very lovely," said former Mouseketeer Judy Richman who was Judy Harriett when she sang and danced with Annette.
Judy told Patch that she attended the ceremony at the Disney Studios in Burbank along with fellow Mouseketeer Bobby Burgess, who lives in Studio City; actress Shelley Fabares, a Studio City resident and former Sherman Oaks resident; and others such as movie star Frankie Avalon, film critic Leonard Maltin and others.
Find out what's happening in Studio Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Funicello received the great honor of having a building on the Disney lot named after her—only Julie Andrews (Mary Poppins) has had that honor.
So now, Sound Stage No. 1 is named the Annette Funicello Stage. It's the place where the young actress became a child TV star on Disney's "The Mickey Mouse Club" in the 1950s.
Find out what's happening in Studio Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Annette recorded several albums and made many "Beach Party" movies with Frankie Avalon, who was also at the dedication.
"I think it's really important for companies not just to look ahead and to think about innovation and all the changes that are going on in the world and our businesses, but to look back at the heritage and the legacy and everything that really created the value in the first place," said Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Company.Mickey Mouse was there, so was Annette's three children and grandchildren, said Judy, who married Tony Richman, the president of the Studio City Improvement Association. At the time Judy knew her, Annette lived with her parents and her two brothers lived in Studio City. It wasn’t until later that Judy moved to Sherman Oaks and Studio City herself, and has lived there most of her life.
“We have a lot of good memories of our times together,” Judy said.
Funicello moved to Encino and died in April at the age of 70 due to complications of Multiple Sclerosis.
"There was a lovely film showed of Annette's history, it was very emotional," Judy said. "And it was painful for everyone to watch the progression of her illness."
Bobby Burgess, 71, said, "Annette had that special charisma that leapt off the stage, Annette loved the camera, and it loved her." Read more of Burgess's memories by CLICKING HERE.
"There was a lovely choir singing some of the old songs," said Judy, who was there also with her daughter, Jenny DeVore, who works at Disney in the consumer products division. After his tribute on stage, Disney chief Iger made a point of going over to Judy's daughter to introduce himself. "I thought that was very nice," Judy said.
One of the most touching stories was told by songwriter Richard Sherman.
"My brother and I always called Annette our lucky star. She always turned something into a hit," Sherman said. ”No matter how many takes it took, she would always be happy to try another.”
Actress Shelly Fabares, Funicello's best friend for 57 years, said Funicello would be so honored to know that the stage was being dedicated to her.
"She loved Mr. Disney, first of all, everybody says. And she did. She always called him Mr. Disney. She just loved him dearly, and to have this studio, give that honor to her, I'm telling you, it would mean the world to her," said Fabares.
Also see:
* STORY: Mouseketeer Annette Funicello dies at age 70
* UPDATE: More Friends React—Now It's Time to Say Goodbye to Annette Funicello
*Annette Funicello remembered - photos of the Mouseketeer's careerGet more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
