Annette Funicello
Annette Funicello was considered a triple threat in the entertainment industry as she could sing, dance, and act! Funicello started out as a child star and was a Mouseketeer on the “Mickey Mouse Club.” The New York native then focused further on her acting career and appeared in shows like Disney’s “Zorro” and “Make Room for Daddy.” She first appeared on the big screen in “The Shaggy Dog” and in the musical “Babes in Toyland.”
Later, she became the face of the “Beach Party” movie genre that was a part of the 60s pop culture, alongside Frankie Avalon. Funicello took a step back in the 1970s to focus on her family and by 1992, the actress had publicly announced that she was suffering from multiple sclerosis. Sadly, Annette passed away from complications related to the condition in 2013 at age 70.
Backstreet Boys
The ‘90s were peppered with boybands and, along with NSYNC, the Backstreet Boys led the way. They debuted their first album, “The Backstreet Boys,” in 1996 and “Backstreet’s Back” in the following year. The harmonized melodies, the coordinating outfits, the perfectly gelled hair, and the smoldering photo shoots all culminated to create the perfect teen idol ensemble.
Teens sang their songs and bought their records and merchandise, making the group very lucrative. With over 100 million in record sales, the Backstreet Boys are the most commercially successful boy band of all time. They continue to tour together to this day.
David Cassidy
David Cassidy (half-brother to Shaun and Patrick Cassidy) rose to fame in 1970 as Keith Partridge on the musical TV show “The Partridge Family.” A natural performer, Cassidy won over audiences with his floppy hair and winning smile. He provided backup vocals for singer George Michael but also focused on his own music, releasing albums like “Old Trick New Dog” and “Then and Now.” Though he was talented and successful early on in life, Cassidy struggled with the overwhelming pressure of being a teen icon which ultimately led to substance abuse problems later in life.
David continued to write new music and tour, right up until he became gravely sick in 2017. He had extensive liver and kidney damage as well as dementia and, while he was awaiting a liver transplant, the singer passed away at the age of sixty-seven.
Debbie Gibson
After a few years of producing and writing her own material, Debbie Gibson caught public attention in 1987 when she released her debut album, “Out of the Blue,” under the Atlantic Records label. She also created a set of hit singles like “Foolish Beat,” “Shake Your Love,” and “Lost in Your Eyes.” Like many musicians, Gibson also crossed over into acting and appeared on Broadway as well as in tv shows like “Beverly Hills 90210” and in smaller films.
The songstress has continued to write and perform over the decades, including a duet in 2006 with Jordan Knight called “Say Goodbye.” Debbie’s album “Electric Youth” celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019, which was commemorated by a special show on SiriusXM Radio’s ‘80s on 8 Channel. Her latest hit was the single “Girls Night Out” which landed at spot number four on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.
James Dean
James Dean first emerged in a Pepsi commercial. However, Dean wasn’t just a pretty face, and he later proved himself to be a serious actor who was committed to bringing characters alive on-screen. After struggling to obtain serious parts, Dean finally found a stepping stone in director Elia Kazan’s, “East of Eden.” Shortly after, he found his breakout role as Jim Stark in “Rebel Without A Cause.”
With his bad-boy looks and maverick attitude, James Dean glamorized the character of the misunderstood, angst-ridden youth. In one of the most tragic events in Hollywood history, Dean was killed instantly in a high-speed car crash in 1955, just as his career was starting to flourish. To this day, James Dean remains a timeless icon whose talent influenced a generation.