By | October 18, 2024

Obituary – Death – Cause of death News : Mitzi Gaynor, known for her role as Nellie Forbush in the iconic film “South Pacific,” has passed away at the age of 93. A celebrated dancer and actress, Gaynor’s career spanned eight decades and included appearances in musicals alongside legends like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Gene Kelly. Her managers confirmed her death in Los Angeles due to natural causes.

Gaynor was a prominent figure in the golden age of Hollywood musicals and left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Her performance in “South Pacific” earned her critical acclaim, with the film receiving multiple Academy Award nominations. Gaynor’s portrayal of the love-stricken nurse Nellie captivated audiences and solidified her place in cinematic history.

Throughout her career, Gaynor’s talent and charisma endeared her to fans around the world. Her legacy as a versatile entertainer resonates with those who appreciated her work on screen, television, and stage. From her roles in classic films like “We’re Not Married!” to her memorable appearance in “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” Gaynor’s contributions to the arts are celebrated and cherished.

As we mourn the loss of Mitzi Gaynor, we honor her enduring impact on the entertainment landscape. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to captivate audiences will be remembered for years to come. Gaynor’s legacy serves as a testament to the power of talent and passion in shaping the world of entertainment.

Mitzi Gaynor, star of ‘South Pacific,’ dies at 93 – Entertainment


Entertainment

Hammerstein was impressed with Gaynor, who had already won the approval of director Josh Logan


Published On: Fri, 18 Oct 2024

09:15:00 PKT

Mitzi Gaynor, the effervescent dancer and actor who starred as Nellie Forbush in the 1958 film “South Pacific” and appeared in other musicals with Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly, has died. She was 93.

Gaynor, among the last survivors of the so-called golden age of the Hollywood musical, died of natural causes in Los Angeles on Thursday morning, her long-time managers Rene Reyes and Shane Rosamonda confirmed in a statement to The Associated Press.

“As we celebrate her legacy, we offer our thanks to her friends and fans and the countless audiences she entertained throughout her long life,” Reyes and Rosamonda said in a joint statement. “Your love, support and appreciation meant so very much to her and was a sustaining gift in her life.”

Her entertainment career spanned eight decades across film, television and the stage, and appeared in several notable films including “We’re Not Married!” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” but she is best remembered for her turn in “South Pacific.”

The screen version of “South Pacific” received three Academy Award nominations and won for best sound, while Gaynor was a best actress nominee for a Golden Globe.

The role of the love-sick nurse Nellie, created on Broadway by Mary Martin, had been eagerly sought by Hollywood stars.

How did Sinatra help Gaynor land the role?

Sinatra helped Gaynor land the role by changing the schedule for her audition with lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, allowing her to audition on the same day she was scheduled for a scene with him in “The Joker Is Wild.”

Who was impressed with Gaynor’s performance?

Lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II was impressed with Gaynor’s performance, as she had already won the approval of director Josh Logan and composer Richard Rodgers.

Who did Gaynor star opposite in the musical she was cast in?

Gaynor was cast opposite Rossano Brazzi in the musical, where she sang “I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy.”

Mitzi Gaynor, the effervescent dancer and actor who starred as Nellie Forbush in the 1958 film “South Pacific” and appeared in other musicals with Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly, has sadly passed away. Sinatra’s help in landing a key role for Gaynor exemplifies the camaraderie and support within the entertainment industry. May her legacy continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come.