It's a day of deep reflection as we say goodbye to one of Hollywood's most cherished stars, Mitzi Gaynor. Best known for her unforgettable performance in South Pacific, Mitzi Gaynor has passed away at the age of 93. Her legacy lives on as a beacon of talent and grace in the world of entertainment.
Her management team, Rene Reyes and Shane Rosamonda, shared heartfelt words in a statement to Closer on Thursday, October 17: “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.”
A Career That Spanned Generations
Mitzi Gaynor wasn’t just a star; she was a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Over an eight-decade career, she dazzled audiences in classic movie musicals like South Pacific, There’s No Business Like Show Business, and Les Girls. Her talent didn’t stop there—she also graced concert stages and television screens with her presence, earning seven primetime Emmy Awards for her annual music variety specials.
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Remembering a Remarkable Woman
Her team took to social media to express their admiration for her, describing her as a “vibrant and extraordinary woman, a caring and loyal friend, and a warm, gracious, very funny and altogether glorious human being.” They added, “And she could cook, too!” Mitzi was more than just a star; she was a well-rounded individual who brought joy and laughter to all who knew her.
Her Iconic Role in South Pacific
Gaynor’s portrayal of Ensign Nellie Forbush in the 1958 film South Pacific remains one of her most celebrated roles. In a December 2023 interview with Closer, she reminisced about the experience of filming the movie on location. “Filming the movie on location was hard work, but thrilling just the same,” she said. “I adored working with Rossano Brazzi. I would tease him in my best Italian and say, ‘Rossano, you are the most gorgeous, the most talented, the most handsome man in all of the movies,’ and he’d answer, ‘Mitzi Gaynor … I know.’ How could you not love that?”
Her performance in the film earned her a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical. The role wasn’t just a highlight of her career; it was a life-changing experience that she cherished deeply.
A month later, in January, Closer had the opportunity to speak with Gaynor again. She reflected on how South Pacific changed her life, saying, “I wouldn’t have the opportunity to be doing this interview if I hadn’t made South Pacific. That’s how important it was for me. It was the be-all and end-all in my career.”
Filming the movie was a challenging yet exhilarating experience. “It was hard work but thrilling just the same. I adored working with Rossano Brazzi and singing the incredible Rodgers and Hammerstein score. Oscar Hammerstein was even with us on location on the island of Kauai [Hawaii] during some of the shoot, and he even directed me in a scene. It was such fun,” she recalled with fondness.
A Life of Love and Legacy
Gaynor’s personal life was as rich as her professional one. She was married to Jack Bean from 1954 until his death in 2006 from pneumonia at the age of 84. Reflecting on their long and loving partnership, she said, “We were married for 52 years. I knew Jack was in my corner, and he knew that I was in his. He was my champion. We were ‘the Beans,’ really one unit, in work and in life, for so many years. There was a great comfort in that. I loved him. I loved being Mrs. Bean and I miss him.”
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Even as she aged, Gaynor maintained a sense of gratitude and wonder about life. “Everything is on my bucket list! I want to do it all again, and then do it some more,” she said in January. “Every day is a gift and a surprise. I’d love to be in front of an audience once more. I’d love to finish my book. There’s so much left to do, and I’m grateful for all of it.”
