“See You Real Soon”: The Original Mouseketeers!

Sharon’s Weirdest Role

In 1986, Sharon Baird starred as “Ratboy” in the film of the same name. You would never know it was her because she appeared under heavy makeup and was credited as S.L. Baird so no one knew it was a woman playing a young boy. The film was panned by critics and thought of as very strange although it had better luck overseas in countries like France.

The character of “Ratboy” has been ostracized from society for looking like a rat and forced to live near a dumpster when he is befriended by a kind woman. Since the strange role, Sharon has continued to make appearances with the Mouseketeers on occasion and for the most part, now lives in retirement at the ripe old age of seventy-three.

Annette Funicello Then

Annette Funicello is arguably the most famous of all the Mouseketeers. She was one of the only kids to have been discovered by Walt Disney himself while she was performing in a dance recital in Swan Lake. She quickly became a favorite of viewers everywhere. On the show, in addition to dance routines and various sketches she also appeared in multiple serials including, Adventure in Dairyland and Walt Disney Presents: Annette.

Annette was soon catapulted to fame. She appeared in the Disney film Babes in Toyland as “Mary Contrary”. For a while she was under contract with Disney and appeared in various shows like Zorro. She later moved on into full teen idol status especially because of her Beach Party series of films with co-star Frankie Avalon. Sadly, despite her amazing fame and popularity, Annette was not to have a charmed life…