August 17, 1992 – Annette Funicello Appears on the Cover of People Magazine
“To the first wave of kiddies raised on TV, she was simply Annette – the name emblazoned in block letters across the front of her memorable Mouseketeers turtleneck.”
On August 17, 1992, famed Mouseketeer Annette Funicello appeared on the cover of People Magazine, announcing that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Funicello had been suffering from the disease since 1987, and told the interviewer that she history of how she discovered she had the disease, how quickly the disease flared up, and how the tabloids came looking for answers, thinking she had a drinking problem or worse. This interview was Funicello’s way of bringing attention to the disease, as well as clearing up any rumors of her personal life.