Mitzi Gaynor, a revered figure in the world of Hollywood musicals, passed away at the age of 93. Her managers, Rene Reyes and Shane Rosamonda, announced her death from natural causes on Thursday morning, October 17, in Los Angeles.
Born as Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber in Chicago, Illinois, Gaynor was part of a musical family and initiated her entertainment career early in life. Her noteworthy career in show business spanned a remarkable eight decades, featuring roles in film, television, and on stage.
Her role as Ensign Nellie Forbush in the 1958 film adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” marked a turning point in Gaynor’s career. Her performance as the enamored nurse won her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. The film itself garnered three Academy Award nominations and won the award for best sound.
Gaynor attributed her casting as Nellie Forbush to Frank Sinatra’s assistance. While working with Sinatra on “The Joker Is Wild,” she was given a day to audition for lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II. Sinatra, understanding the significance of the audition, rearranged the filming schedule to facilitate her.
During the 1950s, Gaynor featured in several musicals, such as “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “Les Girls,” and “Anything Goes.” Her dynamic persona and talent as an actress, singer, and dancer distinguished her in the entertainment industry.
As movie musicals declined in popularity during the 1960s, Gaynor skillfully transitioned to television and live performances. She made regular appearances on variety shows and hosted her own series of successful television specials from 1967 to 1978, receiving 16 Emmy nominations.
With her husband-manager, Jack Bean, guiding her career, Gaynor transformed herself into a stage performer. She was a leading act in Las Vegas, becoming the city’s highest-paid female entertainer. Her musical revue toured extensively in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
In 1970, Gaynor made history by being the first woman to receive the Las Vegas governor’s trophy for “Star Entertainer of the Year.”
Gaynor’s personal life was characterized by her enduring marriage to Jack Bean, a talent agent and public relations executive. The couple married in 1954 and stayed together until Bean’s death in 2006. They lived in a large house in Beverly Hills and had no children.
Gaynor remained active in later years, touring with her show “Mitzi … Razzle Dazzle! My Life Behind the Sequins,” a retrospective of her illustrious life and career, from 2008 to 2011.
Gaynor’s contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized with numerous awards. In 2017, she was inducted into the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame, reinforcing her status as a legend in the entertainment industry.
Her long-time managers, Reyes and Rosamonda, issued a statement expressing gratitude to her friends, fans, and the countless audiences she entertained throughout her life. They acknowledged that their love and support were a significant gift in her life.
The passing of Mitzi Gaynor marks a significant moment 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.