Frankie Avalon

Francis Thomas Avallone (born September 18, 1939 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) was an Italian-American actor and teen idol in the 1950s and early 1960s.

Related Topics:
September 18 - 1939 - Philadelphia - Pennsylvania - Italian - American - Teen idol - 1950s - 1960s

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By the time he was 12, Avalon began making appearances on U.S. television for his trumpet prowess, and as a teenager, played with Bobby Rydell in a band known as Rocco and the Saints. In 1959, his songs Venus and Why? both went to No.1 on Billboard magazine's Hot 100.

Related Topics:
Trumpet - Bobby Rydell - Billboard magazine's Hot 100

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During the 1960s, Avalon became known for his roles in the beach film genre. Later, he became the U.S. national television spokesperson for Sonic Drive-In.

Related Topics:
1960s - Sonic Drive-In

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Frankie Avalon married Kathryn Diebel on January 26, 1962. Still together, the couple has 8 children. In her autobiography, gossip queen Rona Barrett revealed that Avalon fathered a girl, born in December 1960, by a fan. Barrett was the assistant to Avalon's manager, Robert Marcucci, at the time.

Related Topics:
January 26 - 1962 - Rona Barrett

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In 1987 Avalon and Annette Funicello returned to the movies, with the aptly titled Back to the Beach.

Related Topics:
1987 - Annette Funicello - Back to the Beach

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He was mentioned (unflatteringly) in the System of a Down song "Old School Hollywood."

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