Joe Leydon : Annette Funicello , who died Monday , was the first crush of lots of boys . They pretty much grew up with her , through Mouseketeers and ` ` ' Blanket '' ' , he says . He says boys had to feign disinterest in ` ` ' Mouse Club '' with buddies . Funicello created an all - American ideal of wholesome , fun , spunky mid-'60s sexuality .
Joe Leydon : Annette Funicello , who died Monday , was the first crush of millions of boys . They pretty much grew up with her , through Mouseketeers and `` Beach Blanket '' flicks , he says . He says boys had to feign disinterest in `` Mickey Mouse Club '' with buddies . Funicello embodied an all-American ideal of wholesome , perky , spunky mid-'60s sexuality .