Mitzi Gaynor, a beloved dancer and actor best known for her role as Nellie Forbush in the 1958 film “South Pacific,” passed away at the age of 93 in Los Angeles. Gaynor enjoyed a successful career spanning eight decades in film, television, and stage productions. Though she appeared in various notable films such as “We’re Not Married!” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” she is most recognized for her iconic role in “South Pacific.” The screen adaptation of the musical received three Academy Award nominations and won for best sound, with Gaynor receiving a best actress nominee at the Golden Globes.
Gaynor’s audition for the role of Nellie Forbush, which had been previously portrayed by Mary Martin on Broadway, was aided by Frank Sinatra. She was filming with Sinatra when she had the chance to audition for lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, despite conflicting filming schedules. Gaynor impressed Hammerstein, director Josh Logan, and composer Richard Rodgers, and was ultimately cast opposite Rossano Brazzi in the film. Despite her hopes that “South Pacific” would be a turning point in her career, Gaynor shifted her focus to television, making guest appearances on various shows such as “The Jack Benny Hour” and “The Frank Sinatra Timex Show.”
In the later years of her career, Gaynor reinvented herself as a performing entertainer with the help of her husband and manager, Jack Bean. Together, they created a successful musical revue that toured theaters across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia. Gaynor became the highest-paid female entertainer in Las Vegas and won the Las Vegas governor’s trophy for “Star Entertainer of the Year” in 1970. Eventually, she transformed her production into a one-woman show due to logistical and financial concerns. Despite the challenges, Gaynor continued touring until 2002, when Bean’s illness required a hiatus.
Born Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber in Chicago, Gaynor came from a musically inclined family and began singing and dancing at a young age. She remembered her stage debut at seven years old, where a mishap involving a puddle led to a memorable performance full of cheers and applause. Gaynor married Bean in 1954, and the couple settled in Beverly Hills in 1960 until his passing in 2006. Despite their success, they preferred to entertain close friends over attending Hollywood events. The couple did not have children, but Gaynor cherished the lasting friendships she made while on tour.
Mitzi Gaynor’s legacy as a talented dancer, actor, and entertainer lives on through her iconic performances in “South Pacific” and her successful career in entertainment. She will be remembered for her contributions to the golden age of Hollywood musicals and her dedication to entertaining audiences worldwide. Gaynor’s passion for performing, touring, and connecting with fans reflects her enduring love for the arts and her commitment to sharing joy and entertainment with others throughout her long and illustrious career.
