Mitzi Gaynor – Star of ‘South Pacific’ and Emmy-Winning Entertainer – Dies at 93

Mitzi Gaynor, Star of ‘South Pacific’ and Emmy-Winning Entertainer, Dies at 93

Mitzi Gaynor, the celebrated star of Golden Age musicals such as South Pacific and Les Girls, has passed away at the age of 93. Known for her talents as a singer, dancer, and actress, Gaynor was a beloved figure in Hollywood, who also gained recognition for her Emmy-winning television specials.

Her managers, Rene Reyes and Shane Rosamonda, confirmed that Gaynor died of natural causes on Oct. 17 in Los Angeles. In a statement shared on her X (formerly Twitter) account, they reflected on her enduring career: “For eight decades she entertained audiences in films, on television, and on stage. She truly enjoyed every moment of her professional career and the great privilege of being an entertainer.”

They added, “Off stage, she was a vibrant and extraordinary woman, a caring and loyal friend, and a warm, gracious, very funny, and altogether glorious human being.” They noted that Gaynor often referred to her fans as “the sunshine of my life,” and expressed comfort in the fact that her creative legacy will live on through her performances and recordings.

A Hollywood legend, Gaynor was one of the last surviving stars of the Golden Age of musicals. She rose to prominence in the 1950s as a triple threat, working with icons like Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Gene Kelly. Her career spanned film, television, and the stage.

Born Francesca Mitzi Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber on Sept. 4, 1931, in Chicago, Gaynor was the only child of Hungarian musical director Henry von Gerber and former vaudeville dancer Pauline Fisher Gerber. Encouraged by her artistic family, she began ballet training at a young age, and by 1943, she and her mother had moved to Hollywood. At just 13, Gaynor joined a troupe of USO dancers, and not long after, she made her Broadway debut in Gypsy Lady. It was during this time that she adopted the stage name Mitzi Gaynor.

In 1949, Gaynor signed with 20th Century Fox and transitioned to film. Her debut role came in My Blue Heaven (1950), where she starred alongside Betty Grable and Dan Dailey. Over the next decade, she appeared in a series of notable musicals, including Bloodhounds of Broadway (1952), There’s No Business Like Show Business (1954), and Les Girls (1957). She also had a supporting role in The Joker Is Wild (1957), a Frank Sinatra film.

However, it was her role as the love-sick nurse Nellie Forbush in the 1958 film adaptation of South Pacific that solidified her status as a star. Gaynor famously auditioned for the part by performing songs like “Honey Bun” and “A Cockeyed Optimist” for Oscar Hammerstein. She went on to deliver iconic performances of songs such as “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” and “Some Enchanted Evening.” The film became a box-office hit and earned three Academy Award nominations, with Gaynor winning the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical.

Mitzi Gaynor – Star of ‘South Pacific’ and Emmy-Winning Entertainer – Dies at 93

Following South Pacific, Gaynor starred in a few more films, including Happy Anniversary and Surprise Package, before shifting her focus to television and live performances. She made regular appearances on variety shows like The Frank Sinatra Show and The Ed Sullivan Show, and headlined her own TV specials, starting with Mitzi Gaynor Christmas Show in 1967. Her nine TV specials, including Mitzi… A Tribute to the American Housewife and Mitzi… Roarin’ in the 20’s, garnered 16 Emmy nominations and became cultural touchstones of their time.

Beyond television, Gaynor continued to perform on the Las Vegas circuit and toured nightclubs across the U.S. and Canada. She also released albums, including Mitzi and Mitzi Gaynor Sings the Lyrics of Ira Gershwin.

Gaynor was married to agent and producer Jack Bean from 1954 until his death in 2006.

Her passing marks the end of an era, but her remarkable contributions to film, television, and live entertainment will continue to be cherished by audiences worldwide.

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