Mitzi Gaynor, the vibrant dancer and actress renowned for her role as Nellie Forbush in the 1958 film “South Pacific,” has passed away at the age of 93. Her death marks the end of an era as she was one of the last surviving stars from Hollywood’s golden age of musicals. Gaynor’s charm and talent left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, spanning eight decades across film, television, and stage performances.
- Legendary Career: Mitzi Gaynor, celebrated for her role as Nellie Forbush in South Pacific (1958), had an entertainment career spanning over eight decades, marking her as one of the last surviving stars of Hollywood’s golden age of musicals.
- Versatility and Reinvention: Beyond film, Gaynor became a renowned television performer and the highest-paid female entertainer in Las Vegas, known for her dazzling stage revues and later one-woman shows.
- Personal and Professional Legacy: Gaynor’s warmth and wit, alongside her collaborations with iconic designers like Bob Mackie, left a lasting impact on audiences. Her work in variety shows and specials earned her Emmy accolades and wide acclaim.
- Passing and Impact: Mitzi Gaynor passed away at 93 from natural causes, marking the end of an era. She is remembered for her vibrant performances and contributions to film, television, and live entertainment.
According to Variety, Gaynor died of natural causes in Los Angeles. Her long-time managers, Rene Reyes and Shane Rosamonda, confirmed the news, expressing their gratitude to her friends and fans for their support throughout her illustrious career. Gaynor’s legacy as a performer is celebrated by many who were touched by her work and her vibrant personality.
Mitzi Gaynor was born Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber on September 4, 1931, in Chicago. She grew up in a musically inclined family, which influenced her early interest in singing and dancing. By the age of seven, she was already performing in dance recitals, showcasing her natural talent and love for the stage. Her breakthrough came with her portrayal of Nellie Forbush in “South Pacific,” a role that earned the film three Academy Award nominations and a win for best sound. Gaynor’s performance was also recognized with a nomination for a Golden Globe for best actress.
Despite the success of “South Pacific,” Gaynor’s career trajectory shifted from film to television. She made appearances on variety shows such as “Here Comes Donald” and “The Jack Benny Hour.” Her versatility and charisma shone through as she guest-starred alongside iconic entertainers like Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, and Jimmy Durante on “The Frank Sinatra Timex Show” in 1959.
In the later years of her career, Gaynor reinvented herself as a performing entertainer, taking her talents on tour across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Her musical revue shows were a hit, making her the highest-paid female entertainer in Las Vegas. In 1970, she became the first woman to receive the Las Vegas governor’s trophy for “Star Entertainer of the Year.”
As the demands of touring with a full orchestra and dance troupe grew, Gaynor adapted by streamlining her production into a one-woman show. This format allowed her to continue delighting audiences until 2002 when her husband Jack Bean’s illness required her to take a break.
Beyond her professional achievements, Mitzi Gaynor was known for her warmth and wit. She seldom participated in Hollywood events, preferring the company of close friends and family. Her personal life was marked by a long and happy marriage to Jack Bean, with whom she shared a home in Beverly Hills.
Gaynor’s legacy also encompasses her work on television variety specials, many of which earned Emmy nominations and wins for various categories, including choreography and costume design. Her collaboration with designer Bob Mackie was particularly noteworthy and celebrated in the 2008 documentary “Mitzi Gaynor: Razzle Dazzle! The Special Years.”
Mitzi Gaynor’s passing is a significant loss to the entertainment world. Her contributions to Hollywood’s golden age of musicals and her enduring appeal as a performer have left an everlasting impact. As we remember her life and work, we celebrate the joy and inspiration she brought to countless audiences worldwide.