Mitzi Gaynor, Icon of Hollywood Musicals, Passes Away at 93

Mitzi Gaynor, celebrated star of 1950s musicals such as "South Pacific" and "Les Girls," passed away at 93 from natural causes, as confirmed by her management team, Rene Reyes and Shane Rosamonda, PEOPLE writes. They described Gaynor on social media as "a vibrant and extraordinary woman, a caring and loyal friend," who cherished her eight-decade entertainment career spanning films, television, and stage.

Born Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber in Chicago in 1931, Gaynor hailed from an artistic background, with a dancer mother and a musician father. Her family relocated to Los Angeles when Mitzi was 11 to support her dance training, setting her on a path to stardom. At age 17, her talent was spotted by 20th Century Fox, leading to her first film role in "My Blue Heaven" in 1950.

During her Fox tenure, Gaynor achieved major success, notably starring in the 1958 adaptation of "South Pacific" as Navy nurse Nellie Forbush, a role for which she performed her own singing. Her portrayal earned her a lasting association with iconic numbers like "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair." The film, co-starring Rossano Brazzi, became the year’s top-grossing film, further establishing her fame.

Gaynor's career covered more ground in a variety of TV specials from 1967 to 1978, featuring grand productions renowned for their Bob Mackie designs. These specials garnered 17 Emmy nominations and formed part of a freelance singing and dancing presence that kept her in the spotlight for years.

Off-screen, Gaynor maintained strong personal relationships, notably with co-stars and her manager-husband, Jack Bean, whom she married in 1954. He produced many of her TV specials, marking over 50 years of their partnership until he died in 2006. 

With credits including "There’s No Business Like Show Business" and appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show," Gaynor also recorded albums and maintained a live performance schedule across venues like Las Vegas. Her legacy, summarized by Gaynor’s vibrant personality and performance energy, endured through frequent interactions with audiences she adored, becoming timeless moments in entertainment history.

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