Mitzi Gaynor dancer and actor famous for her role in “South Pacific“ passed away in Los Angeles on 10/10/24. She was 93 years-old. Gaynor was one of the last remaining stars from Hollywoods golden age of musicals
Her managers Rene Reyes and Shane Rosamonda confirmed her death saying‚ “We celebrate her legacy and thank her friends fans and audiences she entertained throughout her long life Your love support and appreciation meant so much to her and was a sustaining gift in her life“
Gaynors career lasted more than 60 years‚ covering film television and stage. She is best remembered for playing Nellie Forbush in the 1958 film version of “South Pacific“ The movie got three Academy Award nominations and won for best sound. Gaynor was also nominated for a Golden Globe for best actress
After her film career Mitzi Gaynor changed direction. With her husband-manager Jack Bean she created her own musical revue. This show was very popular making good money in:
- Las Vegas
- Florida
- Theaters across the U.S and Canada
- England
- Australia
Born Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber (Mitzi is short for Marlene) in Chicago on 9/4/31‚ Gaynor came from a musical family. She started singing and dancing when she was young
Mitzi and Bean got married in 1954 and bought a big house in Beverly Hills in 1960 — it was their home until he died in 2006. They didnt go to many Hollywood events preferring to have small gatherings with close friends. The couple had no children