Movies

Mitzi Gaynor, movie-musical star of ‘South Pacific’ and ‘Anything Goes,’ dies at 93

BBG News

As a movie critic with a penchant for the golden age of Hollywood, I find myself deeply saddened by the news of Mitzi Gaynor’s passing. At 93, she left behind a rich legacy that spanned over eight decades, a testament to her unwavering passion and dedication to her craft.

93-year-old actress Mitzi Gaynor, renowned for her roles in classic Hollywood musical films like “South Pacific,” “Les Girls,” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” passed away on Thursday.

On her official X platform, the team managing Gaynor announced that she “died peacefully today due to natural reasons.

Reyes and Rosamonda stated that for over eight decades, she captivated audiences in movies, on television, and on stage. She cherished every professional moment as an entertainer, and they noted her dedication. Beyond the stage, she was a lively and extraordinary individual, a compassionate and devoted friend, and a charming, witty, hilarious, and simply magnificent human being. Plus, she had a knack for cooking!

Gaynor, they said, often noted that her audiences were “the sunshine of my life.”

At the age of 13, this versatile performer began her dancing journey with the L.A. Civic Light Opera. Later in her twenties, she showcased her dance skills while filming “South Pacific” in 1958, where she portrayed Ensign Nellie Forbush in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical. Furthermore, she captivated audiences during the 1950s with her performances in films like “Anything Goes” alongside Bing Crosby and “The Joker Is Wild,” sharing the screen with Frank Sinatra.

Over the course of her illustrious career, I found myself deeply captivated by her ability to connect with younger audiences through various television specials. Off-screen, she had an impressive theater career, particularly as the star of her annual “Mitzi Gaynor Show,” where she showcased her stand-up comedy skills and humorously adopted dialects, one of which she traced back to her Hungarian-born cellist father. From 1980 to 1990, I had the pleasure of witnessing her exceptional talent in the national tour of “Anything Goes.

Her team stated that they find solace in knowing that her artistic impact will persist, as her numerous enchanting stage performances are preserved on film and video, her music recordings remain, and most importantly, through the heartfelt affection and encouragement from audiences worldwide, which she received abundantly during her lifetime and career.

This story is developing.

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2024-10-17 20:01

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