Mitzi Gaynor‚ the multifaceted entertainer who charmed audiences for over seven decades‚ has died in Los Angeles at 93 (she passed away on 10/17/2024). Gaynorʼs managers confirmed her passing‚ though they didnt provide a specific cause.
Born Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber on 09/04/1931 in Chicago‚ Gaynorʼs journey in show business began early. She moved to California at 11 with her mother‚ a former ballroom dancer‚ to pursue a career in entertainment. Gaynorʼs versatility as a dancer singer‚ actress‚ and comic impersonator quickly caught Hollywoodʼs attention.
Gaynorʼs film career spanned from 1950 to 1963‚ encompassing 17 movies. Despite studio executivesʼ struggles to cast her effectively‚ she persevered through various roles. Her breakthrough came with the role of Ensign Nellie Forbush in “South Pacific“ (1958) – a part she landed almost by accident.
After her film career waned‚ Gaynor reinvented herself in Las Vegas. Starting in 1961‚ she began a long residency at the Flamingo Hotel‚ showcasing her talents in a way Hollywood had never fully utilized. Her shows – a mix of comedy‚ singing‚ and dancing – drew large crowds and critical acclaim.
Gaynorʼs career took another turn in the late 1960s when she began headlining TV specials. These shows‚ known for their over-the-top costumes and high-energy performances‚ helped her become a “mass culture star.“
I went through a very sexy period Boy‚ was I full of attitudes. Even my ears were sexy‚ I thought‚ and lips — did I have lips!
Throughout her career‚ Gaynor maintained a sense of humor about her image and the entertainment industry. She was married to Jack Bean‚ her business manager for 52 years until his death in 2006.
In her later years‚ Gaynor developed a one-woman show‚ reflecting on her life and career with her characteristic blend of glamour and self-deprecation. Her enduring appeal lay in her ability to combine star power with relatable humor‚ making her a beloved figure in American entertainment for decades