LOS ANGELES:

Variety

Jonas

Karen Pendleton, one of the original Mouseketeers on “Mickey Mouse Club,” died of a heart attack in Fresno, California on Sunday. She was 73.

Pendleton appeared on the classic children’s television series from 1955 to 1959, making her one of only nine children that appeared on the show for its entire run. One of the youngest of the Mouseketeers, she was best known for her shoulder-length blond curls and frequently being paired with fellow Mouseketeer Cubby O’Brien for the “Mickey Mouse Club” end of show song.

Pendleton was born in Glendale, California on Aug 1, 1946, the youngest of three children.

She was recruited to audition for “Mickey Mouse Club” when Disney producers visited dance schools in the Los Angeles area in search of child talent. (RTRS)