Mitzi Gaynor, Star of ‘South Pacific,’ Dies at 93—A Look at Her Life

Actress and singer Mitzi Gaynor died on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from natural causes. She was 93 years old and best known for her work in the 1958 film South Pacific .

Her team confirmed the death in a statement on Gaynor’s X account, writing, “ It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved friend and client, Mitzi Gaynor. She passed away peacefully today of natural causes at the age of 93.”

"For eight decades, she entertained audiences in films, on television and on the stage. She truly enjoyed every moment of her professional career and the great privilege of being an entertainer."

The team also took time to comment on Gaynor's off-screen presence, writing, “She was a vibrant and extraordinary woman, a caring and loyal friend, and a warm, gracious, very funny and altogether glorious human being. And she could cook, too! As we celebrate her legacy, we offer our thanks to her friends and fans and the countless audiences she entertained throughout her long life.”

They ended the post by letting people know that their “love, support and appreciation meant so very much to her and was a sustaining gift in her life. She often noted that her audiences were ‘the sunshine of my life.’ You truly were.”

“We take great comfort in the fact that her creative legacy will endure through her many magical performances captured on film and video, through her recordings and especially through the love and support audiences around the world have shared so generously with her throughout her life and career. Please keep Mitzi in your thoughts and prayers.”

The beginning of Mitzi Gaynor

Born Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerbe r on September 4, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, Gaynor began acting in the 1950 film My Blue Heaven .

From there, she went on to become one of Hollywood’s “golden girls” and worked on things like We’re Not Married! (1952), Three Young Texas (1954), Anything Goes (1956) and Les Girls (1957).

That was the last thing she worked on before booking South Pacific , which would become her most well-known role.

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The ‘South Pacific’ era and beyond

South Pacific might just be Gaynor’s most iconic role. Released in 1958, the plot follows a young nurse as she falls in love with a Frenchman during WWII.

Gaynor played Ensign Nellie Forbush, USN and earned a Golden Globe nomination for her work in the film.

After that, the actress only starred in three more movies before retiring from Hollywood in 1963 and turning her talents to Las Vegas instead.

Mitzi Gaynor takes center stage

After leaving acting behind, Gaynor took to the stage in Las Vegas. She also regularly recorded her performances, earning her six Emmys.

“ I was so blessed to have worked with such incredible, talented and wonderful people and also to perform for audiences whom I adore. Plus, my husband [Jack Bean] produced all of these shows so most of these are the happiest times of my life,” the late actress said in 2016.

Gaynor also always wore at least four-inch heels during all of these performances, saying, " My legs looked bette r in very high heels.”

The personal life of Mitzi Gaynor

Gaynor famously never had kids, but she was married once to Jack Bean, a famous film and stage producer. The two tied the knot in 1954 and remained together until his death in 2006.

The actress was honored with a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame and was often talked about for being one of the few remaining actresses from Hollywood’s “Golden Age.”

May Gaynor rest in peace.

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