Frankie Avalon | Source: Getty Images
This beloved icon captured hearts in his prime and continues to do so today, thanks to his timeless charm. While his career may have taken a slower pace, he’s now fully immersed in pursuing his true passions. Let’s take a nostalgic look at how this showbiz star’s journey has evolved since his early days in the spotlight.
A portrait of Frankie Avalon in 1965 | Source: Getty Images
Frankie Avalon, a Philadelphia teen idol of the 1950s and ’60s, stood out with his musical background, having learned trumpet from his father. His talent earned him early TV appearances and a recording contract with Chancellor Records.
Frankie Avalon photographed on January 1, 1950 | Source: Getty Images
After hits like “Venus” and movie roles in “The Alamo” and “Drums of Africa,” the actor and singer found lasting fame alongside Annette Funicello in the “Beach Party” films. In the 1980s, he revived his popularity through the “Golden Boys of Bandstand” tour and a reunion movie, “Back to the Beach.”
Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon pictured on the beach on January 1, 1987 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Avalon has carved his own path, with a career that continues to thrive long after many of his fellow teen idols have faded into pop culture history. “And it does [keep going] because they keep asking, thank God. And I still enjoy what I’m doing,” he said in an August 2011 interview.
Frankie Avalon participates in The 2011 Fall Hollywood Show on October 9, 2011, in Burbank, California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite his enduring success, there was a time when Avalon admitted his career hit a point where he felt completely burned out. He further divulged , “Now I enjoy doing what I want when I want to do it. “[My] longevity … it’s a wonderful combination of luck, tenacity, talent and timing.”
Frankie Avalon during the 36th annual National Italian American Foundation Gala on October 29, 2011, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
In the same interview, Avalon reflected on his close friend and co-star, Funicello, sharing heartfelt words about her battle with multiple sclerosis (MS). “It’s been nothing but downhill all the way,” he said , speaking of her diagnosis of now nearly two decades ago.
Frankie Avalon at the National Italian American Foundation Gala on October 29, 2011, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
He described Funicello as a true fighter, despite the devastation of the disease. When asked about her, Avalon simply advised , “just say a lot of prayers for her.” He expressed gratitude for the chance to work with Funicello one last time on “Back to the Beach” in 1987, shortly before her diagnosis, calling it “such a cute picture.”
Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon during 1st Annual Yago Beach Party & Promotion of “Back To The Beach” on July 28, 1987, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
In another interview, years after Funicello’s passing, Avalon opened up about her courageous fight against MS. He spoke candidly about the immense challenges the actress and singer faced, describing the disease as truly debilitating.
Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon pictured on January 1, 1955 | Source: Getty Images
“She fought it and suffered,” he shared. Despite the hardship, Avalon remembered Funicello as a remarkable woman, expressing how deeply he missed her. “She’s gone but not forgotten,” he said .
Studio publicity handout of Annette Funicello in 1960 | Source: Getty Images
In a heartfelt reflection during another interview, Avalon spoke about Funicello’s reputation for kindness, saying she was even nicer than people imagined. He shared how close their families were and continue to be, revealing that he is the godfather to her firstborn, Gina Portman.
Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello pictured hugging on January 1, 1962 | Source: Getty Images
Her first husband, Jack Gilardi, was still Avalon’s agent during that period. He described their relationship as “a family kind of situation.” Avalon is also a devoted family man, having been married to his wife, Kathryn Diebel, for over six decades. The couple tied the knot in January 1963 in North Hollywood, California.
Together, Avalon and Diebel have welcomed eight children, though their journey to parenthood was not without heartbreak. Along the way, she had two miscarriages.
Kathryn Diebel and Frankie Avalon photographed after their wedding on January 19, 1963, in North Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
The pair are now parents to four sons and four daughters. During an appearance on the now- defunct talk show, “The Rosie O’Donnell Show,” the proud father of eight praised his beloved spouse for raising the kids.
“My wife really did a sensational job because we didn’t have any help in the house so she did all of the bathing and all that stuff,” said Avalon. He further shared that the mother of his kids used to doze off while on date nights together. As for how they spent time as a family? They all used to go to Disneyland and the kids would suggest he wear a baseball to avoid being recognized.
Kathryn Diebel and Frankie Avalon pictured sitting in the audience with their two sons as they attend the Dobritch International Circus on March 16, 1967 | Source: Getty Images
Feeling the strain of the entertainment world, Avalon gradually stepped away from the limelight to focus on more personal passions. He created a successful line of health and skincare products, keeping him busy outside the industry.
Frankie Avalon attends the Entertainment Industry Annual Dinner in Honor of Bud Grant on November 24, 1987 | Source: Getty Images
Avalon has taken his passion for healthy living to new heights, now serving as a National Ambassador for the National Arthritis Foundation. His line of natural health products are reportedly inspired by his lifelong commitment to wellness and vitality.
Reflecting on his career, Avalon acknowledged that there were moments when he wondered if it was over. “It would cross my mind,” he admitted in an interview. However, as he matured, so did his audience.
Frankie Avalon performs at the Cousin Brucie Palisades Park Reunion show on September 9, 2022, in Holmdel, New Jersey. | Source: Getty Images
They began families, just as he did, and though his performances shifted from large venues to smaller, intimate nightclubs, Avalon embraced it. Playing to smaller crowds for longer stints allowed him to hone his craft and experiment with new things.
When asked if it bothered him not being in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Avalon brushed it off, saying it’s never been something that affected him. “It doesn’t make any difference to me,” he remarked. Still, he did admit confusion over some of the inductees, noting , “I don’t know who the hell they are or what they have contributed.”
By 2016, Avalon was touring, performing some of his classic hits. The movie star shared , “I’m out there singing a few of the old songs because some old people just want to hear them, and some of the young people.” He added , “Every song of mine to a young person is new, so that’s good.”
At age 75, Avalon kept busy with a line of pain-relief products, selling Italian food on QVC, and releasing “Frankie Avalon’s Italian Family Cookbook.” While touring, he also blended film clips with his classic hits in a fun live show.
When asked about retirement, Avalon admitted it crosses his mind occasionally, but he quickly dismisses the thought. “How much golf can I play?” he joked , adding that he enjoys staying busy. He balances his work with downtime, explaining , “I do just enough, then take some time off. […] I’m always looking to do something,” he added.
Today, Avalon continues to make public appearances. After turning 84 on September 18, 2024, he recently shared a video on Facebook, giving users a glimpse of how he looks like in old age. The clip sparked admiration from many who remembered him as the heartthrob of their youth.
“You look great!!” commented a Facebook user, as someone else echoed the same sentiments. Another added , “Looking fantastic, you are keeping in great shape!!!” On his birthday, shared a throwback image of Avalon alongside the most recent one. One reader noted , “Still looking good Frankie!! Love your hair, and always did! So handsome!”
Frankie Avalon’s enduring passion for performing and staying active has kept him thriving in both showbiz and business. With no plans for retirement, he continues to find joy in balancing his career and personal life.
