LOS ANGELES—Mitzi Gaynor, the talented dancer and actress known for her role as Nellie Forbush in the 1958 movie “South Pacific” and her appearances in various musicals alongside Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Gene Kelly, has passed away at the age of 93.
Gaynor, one of the few remaining stars from Hollywood’s golden era of musicals, died of natural causes in Los Angeles on Thursday morning, as confirmed by her long-time managers Rene Reyes and Shane Rosamonda in a statement to The Associated Press.
“As we honor her legacy, we express our gratitude to her friends, fans, and the countless audiences she entertained throughout her remarkable life,” Reyes and Rosamonda said in a joint statement. “Your love, support, and admiration meant the world to her and sustained her throughout her journey.”
Her illustrious career spanned eight decades, encompassing film, television, and stage performances. While she appeared in several notable films such as “We’re Not Married!” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” Gaynor is most fondly remembered for her role in “South Pacific.”
The film adaptation of “South Pacific” received three Academy Award nominations, winning for best sound, and Gaynor herself was nominated for best actress at the Golden Globes.
The part of Nellie, originally portrayed on Broadway by Mary Martin, was highly coveted by Hollywood stars. Gaynor ultimately landed the role with Sinatra’s assistance.
Gaynor was working with Sinatra on “The Joker Is Wild” when she had the opportunity to audition for lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II. Despite a conflicting schedule with a crucial scene with Sinatra, he graciously rearranged the timing for her audition.
Impressed by Gaynor, Hammerstein cast her opposite Rossano Brazzi in “South Pacific,” where she famously sang “I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy.”
While “South Pacific” did not catapult her career as anticipated, Gaynor shifted her focus from film to television, making appearances on shows like Donald O’Connor’s “Here Comes Donald” and CBS’ “The Jack Benny Hour.” She also guest-starred on the star-studded “The Frank Sinatra Timex Show” special in October 1959.
In her later years, Gaynor reinvented herself as a live performer, collaborating with her husband and manager Jack Bean on a successful musical revue that toured theaters across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia.
Gaynor became a fixture in Las Vegas, performing extended residencies at venues like the Flamingo Hotel and the Riviera Hotel.
Having toured with a full orchestra and ensemble, Gaynor eventually transitioned to a one-woman show due to logistical and financial reasons. The couple continued touring annually until 2002 when Bean fell ill.
Offstage, Gaynor was known for her vibrant personality, loyalty, sense of humor, and culinary skills, as noted in the statement from Rosamonda and Reyes.
Gaynor also headlined several television specials, earning Emmy nominations and wins in categories like choreography, lighting, art design, and costume design.
Born Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber (Mitzi is a nickname for Marlene) in Chicago on September 4, 1931, Gaynor grew up in a musical family and began performing at a young age.
Gaynor and Bean, who tied the knot in 1954, lived in Beverly Hills until his passing in 2006. The couple, who did not have children, preferred intimate gatherings with close friends over Hollywood events.
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