Were you one of the millions who rocketed through the door after school, landing square in front of the rabbit-eared TV to watch The Mickey Mouse Club? As kids, my sister and I sang and danced along with the Mouseketeers. Those kids seemed so friendly and fun, and despite our lack of talent, we thought we were just like them. I recently read something that supported our impressions. Apparently, Walt Disney insisted on recruiting average, everyday kids—not talented stars—to be in his show. As long as the kids were well-behaved, quick learners with camera appeal, they had a chance. Which is not to say that the Mouseketeers weren’t talented. Who could forget Annette Funicello’s singing and beach movies… Johnny Crawford as Mark McCain in The Rifleman, or Tim Considine and Don Grady as the handsome Douglas brothers of My Three Sons? Bet you didn’t know that Cubby became a drummer for a rock band! Even in the 90s revival of the show, a few of the kids hit it big–ever heard of Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Keri Russell, Justin Timberlake or Ryan Gosling? They all began as Mouseketeers! If you want details on every kid who wore the official ears on the original show, check out this site.