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Mitzi Gaynor, Star of ‘South Pacific,’ Dies at 93

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Mitzi Gaynor, Star of ‘South Pacific,’ Dies at 93

As a follower and admirer of Mitzi Gaynor, I am deeply saddened by her passing. Her eight-decade long career was nothing short of extraordinary, spanning film, television, and stage. From her memorable role as Nellie Forbush in “South Pacific” to her successful musical revue tours, she truly was a shining star in the world of entertainment.

LOS ANGELES – Mitzi Gaynor, a vibrant dancer and actor who played Nellie Forbush in the 1958 film adaptation of “South Pacific,” and who also performed alongside musical legends Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Gene Kelly, has passed away. She was 93 years old.

In a statement to The Associated Press, Gaynor’s long-term managers, Rene Reyes and Shane Rosamonda, confirmed that Gaynor, one of the remaining figures from the legendary era of Hollywood musicals, passed away peacefully in Los Angeles on Thursday morning due to natural causes.

In the spirit of honoring her remarkable journey, Rosamonda and I extend our heartfelt gratitude to her friends, followers, and all those who were enthralled by her talent throughout her extraordinary lifetime. Her love, uplifted by your affection, admiration, and appreciation, was an unwavering source of strength for her during her days.

Her entertainment career spanned eight decades across film, television and the stage, and appeared in several notable films including “We’re Not Married!” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” but she is best remembered for her turn in “South Pacific.”

In the film adaptation of “South Pacific”, it earned three Academy Award nominations and took home the award for Best Sound. Additionally, Mitzi Gaynor was recognized with a nomination for Best Actress at the Golden Globes.

The coveted role of Nellie, the love-stricken nurse on Broadway, originally portrayed by Mary Martin, was highly desired by Hollywood celebrities. However, it was Sinatra who assisted Gaynor in securing this part.

In my perspective as a movie reviewer, I was simultaneously working alongside him in “The Joker Is Wild,” when an unexpected chance arose for me to audition for the legendary lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II. This opportunity presented itself on the very same day that I had been scheduled for a pivotal scene with Sinatra. As I shared my predicament, he reassured me, “Fear not, I’ll adjust the schedule.

Hammerstein found Gaynor captivating, as she had already earned the endorsement of director Josh Logan and composer Richard Rodgers. She was eventually selected to star alongside Rossano Brazzi, for whom she crooned “I’m in Love with a Terrific Man.

Contrary to her expectations, “South Pacific” didn’t serve as a career milestone for Gaynor. Instead, she pivoted from films to television, first appearing on Donald O’Connor’s variety series “Here Comes Donald,” and later on CBS’ “The Jack Benny Hour.” In October of 1959, she was the sole female guest star in a special episode of ABC’s “The Frank Sinatra Timex Show,” alongside the likes of Sinatra, Crosby, Dean Martin, and Jimmy Durante.

As her professional journey progressed, Gaynor transformed into an on-stage performer. Collaborating with her husband and manager Jack Bean, she became the headlining act in her own musical show which was a major attraction in theaters across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

For more than a decade, Gaynor established herself as a regular act in Las Vegas, gracing stages during multi-week engagements, most notably at the Flamingo Hotel and the Riviera Hotel.

During orchestra tours, a large group of dancers and stage crew became overly complex and costly. So, Gaynor streamlined the performance, transforming it into a solo act. The shows continued annually up until 2002, when Bean’s health issue necessitated a temporary break.

In a 2003 interview, Gaynor expressed his fondness for traveling, stating that he’s spent a significant part of his life doing so. He shared that they often revisit familiar destinations, making them feel like catching up with old friends. After performances, people frequently visit backstage to the dressing room, allowing them to strengthen and maintain friendships. Every year, they send out approximately 3,000 Christmas cards.

In private life, she was an exceptional and vivacious woman, a compassionate and steadfast friend, and a kind, generous, hilarious, and altogether magnificent individual. She also had culinary skills to boot, as suggested by Rosamonda and Reyes’ statement, which draws parallels to a song from the musical “On the Town” that Gaynor performed in one of her revue shows.

Besides her film roles, Mitzi Gaynor graced several TV variety specials such as “Mitzi…Zings Into Springs” and “Mitzi…Roarin’ in the 20’s”. These shows often earned Emmy Award nominations and won for categories like choreography, lighting, art design, and costume design. Notably, Gaynor’s frequent partner in these projects, Bob Mackie, received an award for costumes. A documentary titled “Mitzi Gaynor: Razzle Dazzle! The Special Years” was made about these very specials in 2008.

Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber, known affectionately as Mitzi, was born in Chicago on September 4, 1931. Growing up in a musically gifted household, she began her performance journey with singing and dancing at an early age.

In a 2003 AP interview, Gaynor recalled her vivid memory of her initial stage performance. At the age of 7, she was preparing for a tap dance number at her dance school’s recital. Unfortunately, she had forgotten to visit the restroom beforehand, resulting in a small puddle appearing on stage when she faced the audience during the performance.

She remembers running away in terror from the stage, only to receive thunderous applause. After composing herself, she added some lipstick and returned. When another performer fell during her hula act on a slippery floor, I bravely stepped up again, assured everyone I was fine, and asked if I could try once more. This was met with cheers!

In 1954, Gaynor and Bean tied the knot, and in 1960, they purchased a roomy abode in Beverly Hills, which served as their home until his demise in 2006. They seldom graced Hollywood events, instead opting to host intimate gatherings for a select group of friends. The duo remained childless throughout their lives.

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2024-10-17 23:06

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