Celebrities Who Launched Careers with the Mickey Mouse Club: A Look at Famous Mouseketeers

The Mickey Mouse Club began in 1955 as a way to fund the construction of the new Disneyland theme park. The first seasons starred Annette Funicello, probably the most notable of the Mickey Mouse Club alumni.

The original series ended in 1959, but was revived with new episodes in the late 80s into the 90s with The All New Mickey Mouse Club. Some stars of the silver screen, as well as some of the biggest pop stars of today began their careers on the kid's variety show, the Mickey Mouse Club.

Here is a look at some former Mickey Mouse Club cast members, and where they are now:

Annette Funicello

When she was 12, Funicello was spotted by Walt Disney himself when he saw her perform in a local theater production of Swan Lake. After several years in the Mickey Mouse Club, she recorded a few pop albums. But, Funicello is best known for her roles in the popular 60s "beach party" movies with her costar, Frankie Avalon. She and Avalon also toured the nation as a singing duo. As she matured into an adult actress, she and Avalon did a parody movie of the beach party films, Back to the Beach. She also appeared in classics like the Shaggy Dog. Funicello also starred as the spokeswoman for Skippy peanut butter for a number of years. In 1992, the former Mousekateer announced she had multiple sclerosis.

Britney Spears

By today's standards of stardom, Spears is probably the most globally-known star to graduate from the Mickey Mouse club. She appeared on the show from age 11-13, before returning to Louisiana. Soon after, she hit the music scene. From teenage pop star to tabloid fixture for her outbursts, marriage woes and parenting skills, Spears has had quite a ride on the walk of fame.

Christina Aguilera

Multiple-Grammy winning singing sensation Aguilera appeared on the Mickey Mouse Club in seasons six and seven, beginning in 1993. A few years later, she returned to the Disney realm to record a song for Mulan, which led to her getting a record deal the next year. Another hugely popular project for the songstress was the "Lady Marmalade" song and video for the Moulin Rouge soundtrack, which she performed with Pink, Lil' Kim, Missy Elliot and Mya. Aguliera is musically classified as a spinto soprano, which means she can push lyrics to dramatic levels without strain.

Justine Timberlake

Timberlake starred in the seasons of Mickey Mouse Club with some folks he'd end up working with through the present time. Timberlake met future girlfriend Britney Spears, future bandmate JC Chasez and future tourmate Christina Aguilera. Timberlake is best known for his time as lead singer with the immensely popular boyband N'Sync. Since N'Sync, Timberlake has released two solo albums and collaborated with many other artists such as Nelly Furtado, Snoop Dog, Brian McKnight and Timbaland. This former Mousekaeeer is returning to the screen with a flourishing acting career. He's had roles in Black Snake Moan, Shrek the Third and Alpha Dog.

JC Chasez

Chasez was a member of the ever-popular N'Sync and has since release two solo projects.

Ryan Gosling

Gosling is an Academy Award-winning actor for his role in Half Nelson. He also starred in the Notebook and Remember the Titans.

Kerri Russell

After the Mickey Mouse Club, Russell went on to several acting projects. Most notably, she starred as Felicity in the hit TV show, Felicity. She also played opposite Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible III and starred in 2007's Waitress.

Rhona Bennett

Bennett went on to be a part of the popular 90s sensation, En Vouge. She also starred in the Jamie Foxx Show as Nicole Evans.

Lisa Whelchel

Whelchel starred in an earlier version of the Mickey Mouse Club. She went on to land a starring role in the popular 80s sitcom, The Facts of Life where she played the spoiled Blair Warner.

Who didn't make the mouse?

In research for this piece it was revealed that among thousands of applicants who did not make the show are Candice Bergen, Matt Damon and Jessica Simpson, although the latter two were noted as finalists.