The beloved star of “South Pacific” passed away at the age of 93, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that touched all of Hollywood.
Mitzi Gaynor, whose vibrant performances lit up the screen and stage, died on October 17, 2024, of natural causes, according to a statement from her team.
In a touching tribute, her managers, Rene Reyes and Shane Rosamonda, added, “As we celebrate her legacy, we offer our thanks to her friends and fans and the countless audiences she entertained throughout her long life. Your love, support, and appreciation meant so very much to her.”
Known for her iconic role in the 1958 film “South Pacific,” Gaynor was also celebrated for her appearances in Las Vegas and television specials throughout her decades-long career. A trailblazer in entertainment, she once headlined “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1964, outranking even The Beatles.
Fans have poured out tributes to the star, sharing their memories and appreciation online. One wrote, “My first musical film. Made me fall in love with the movies. Rest easy [sic] Ms Gaynor.🙏” Another recalled, “A life to celebrate, wonderful dancer, and singer, loved all her musicals. X [sic]. “
Reflecting on her influence, a netizen shared, “I was obsessed with Mitzi Gaynor when I was a kid. She was my first Nelly Forbush. RIP [sic].”
The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization also paid tribute, “Words cannot express the sorrow and sadness we feel at the loss of Mitzi Gaynor, an R&H legend known for her starring role as Nellie Forbush in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ‘South Pacific’ in 1958.” They also declared that her legacy would endure, both on screen and in the hearts of her admirers.
It is perhaps ironic that “South Pacific” was one of her final movie appearances. She played the feisty Ensign Nellie Forbush and famously performed “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair.”
Though she wasn’t the first choice for the role, her performance earned a Golden Globe nomination and became a defining moment in her career. What’s more, unlike most actors in the film, Gaynor’s voice was not dubbed.
Born Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber, Gaynor came from Hungarian aristocratic ancestry. Furthermore, her parents had a strong connection to the arts. Her father, Henry de Czanyi von Gerber, was a skilled musician, while her mother, Pauline, pursued a career as a dancer.
Mitzi began performing at just four years old, eventually training as a ballerina in Hollywood. She quickly made a name for herself, appearing in musicals alongside stars like Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly. Despite her success in Hollywood, she found her true passion in live stages, particularly in Las Vegas, where she dazzled audiences for years.
Gaynor’s many accolades include a Golden Laurel Award, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and her induction into the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame in 2017. She was married to talent agent Jack Bean for 52 years until his passing in 2006.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this time of loss. May her remarkable legacy live on in the hearts of those she touched.