Karen Pendleton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Karen Pendleton
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Karen Pendleton as a Mouseketeer on The Mickey Mouse Club in circa 1956
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Karen Anita Pendleton
August 1, 1946 Glendale, California, U.S.
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| Died | October 6, 2019 (aged 73) Fresno, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actress |
| Spouse(s) | Del Michael De Lauer (1970-1985, divorce) |
| Children | 1 |
Karen Anita Pendleton (born August 1, 1946 – died October 6, 2019) was a famous child actress. She was one of the original Mouseketeers on The Mickey Mouse Club, a popular TV show. This show aired on the ABC network from 1955 to 1959. Karen was one of only nine Mouseketeers who were on the show for its entire first run.
Becoming a Mouseketeer
Disney producers discovered Karen when they visited a dance studio in Los Angeles. They were looking for talented young people for their new show, The Mickey Mouse Club. Karen often performed with Carl "Cubby" O'Brien. They were the youngest members of the cast. They even toured Australia together in 1959 and 1960. They traveled with other Mouseketeers and Jimmie Dodd.
Life After the Spotlight
After The Mickey Mouse Club ended, Karen left acting. She graduated from North Hollywood High School. In 1970, she married Del Michael De Lauer. They had a daughter in 1973, but they later divorced in 1985.
In 1983, Karen was in a car accident. This accident caused her to be unable to move her legs. Despite this challenge, she went back to college. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Fresno State University. Karen then worked at a shelter that helped women in need. She also served on the board for the California Association of the Physically Handicapped. This group helps people with physical disabilities.
Karen Pendleton passed away from a heart attack on October 6, 2019. She was 73 years old.
Her TV and Movie Roles
Karen Pendleton appeared in a few TV shows and movies:
- Westward Ho the Wagons! (1956)
- Walt Disney's Disneyland (1954)
