Mitzi Gaynor, a prominent figure in Hollywood musicals, known for her triple-threat abilities in singing, dancing, and acting, has passed away at 93. This news was confirmed by her long-time managers, Rene Reyes and Shane Rosamonda, stating that Gaynor died of natural causes in Los Angeles on the morning of October 17.
Gaynor, born as Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber in Chicago, Illinois, had a deep-rooted affinity for music and began her entertainment career at an early age. A career that spanned an incredible eight decades and included performances in film, television, and theater.
Her claim to fame came in 1958 with her role as Ensign Nellie Forbush in the film adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific.” Her performance as the infatuated nurse bagged her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. The film itself earned three Academy Award nominations and was victorious in the best sound category.
Securing the role of Nellie Forbush was a defining point in Gaynor’s career, and she acknowledged Frank Sinatra for his role in helping her land the part. During the filming of “The Joker Is Wild” with Sinatra, Gaynor had a one-day chance to audition for lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II. Sinatra, recognizing the significance of the audition, rearranged their shooting schedule to accommodate her.
Throughout the 1950s, Gaynor featured in several musicals like “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “Les Girls,” and “Anything Goes.” Her vibrant personality coupled with her skills in acting, singing, and dancing made her a distinctive performer of her time.
When the popularity of film musicals declined in the 1960s, Gaynor skillfully shifted her focus to television and live performances. She frequently appeared on variety shows and even hosted her own series of successful television specials from 1967 to 1978, earning 16 Emmy nominations.
Guided by her husband and manager, Jack Bean, Gaynor transitioned to stage performances. She was a headliner in Las Vegas, becoming the city’s highest-paid female entertainer. Her musical revue toured extensively across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
In 1970, Gaynor made history by becoming the first woman to receive the Las Vegas governor’s trophy for “Star Entertainer of the Year.”
Gaynor’s personal life was marked by a long and committed marriage to Jack Bean, a talent agent and public relations executive. They got married in 1954 and were together until Bean’s death in 2006. They lived in a large Beverly Hills house and did not have any children.
Even in her later years, Gaynor continued to enthral audiences. From 2008 to 2011, she toured with her show “Mitzi … Razzle Dazzle! My Life Behind the Sequins,” a retrospective of her glamorous life and career.
Over her career, Gaynor was honored with numerous awards. In 2017, she was inducted into the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame, affirming her legendary status in the entertainment industry.
In a statement, Gaynor’s managers Reyes and Rosamonda expressed their gratitude: “As we celebrate her legacy, we offer our thanks to her friends and fans and the countless audiences she entertained throughout her long life. Your love, support and appreciation meant so very much to her and was a sustaining gift in her life.”
The death of Mitzi Gaynor signifies the end of a chapter in Hollywood history. Her dynamic performances and enduring career are a testament to her talent and the lasting influence of the golden age of musicals.
