She’s graced the silver screen in nearly two dozen films, including the timeless classic South Pacific, but for Mitzi Gaynor, nothing beats the thrill of performing live. At 92 years young, Mitzi still radiates the same passion for entertaining audiences that she’s had since her childhood. “There’s nothing like connecting with a live audience,” Mitzi shares warmly with Closer. Over the decades, she’s dazzled TV viewers with nine unforgettable specials, featuring her signature blend of singing, dancing, and stunning outfits designed by the legendary Bob Mackie. Her annual residencies in Las Vegas were nothing short of spectacular, packing theaters night after night. “I feel incredibly blessed to have spent so many years bringing joy to people. Whether it’s on stage or on screen, standing in front of an audience is both an honor and a privilege,” Mitzi reflects. “I hope I’ve made a difference because, honestly, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”
When Did You Know Performing Was Your Calling?
“It all started when I was just 9 years old. My mom and aunt took me to see Carmen Miranda perform in a stage revue called The Streets of Paris. I was completely mesmerized! Right there and then, I told my mom, ‘I can do that. I want to do that.’ From that moment forward, everything in my life revolved around making ‘Tootie’—my childhood nickname—a star. I dove headfirst into dance, focusing on ballet, and by the time I was 11, I was already performing in shows around Los Angeles. It was the beginning of a journey I’ve never looked back on.”
Was Your Family Supportive of Your Dreams?
“Absolutely! My family, especially my mom and aunt, were my biggest cheerleaders. Both of them were dancers, and my dad was a musician who instilled a deep love for music in me. While my father was practical, which balanced out our family’s creative tendencies, he fully supported my dreams. We may not have had much money, but we were rich in love and encouragement. They gave me every opportunity to explore theater, music, and art, and for that, I’ll forever be grateful.”
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Did Acting Play a Role in Your Early Goals?
“Back then, I was more focused on dance. I tried every style imaginable—sometimes all at once! And let me tell you, I wasn’t shy about showing off my impressions of Carmen Miranda and Danny Kaye during over 100 USO shows before I turned 13. Dancing was my first love, but those early performances shaped who I became as an entertainer.”
What Was Your Big Break?
“Oh, it’s hard to pinpoint just one moment. My journey began on the stage with the Civic Light Opera in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Performing in those productions truly defined who I am today and fueled my passion for performing. In 1949, my performance in the CLO’s The Great Waltz caught the eye of George Jessel, who was producing films at 20th Century Fox at the time. After a successful screen test, they signed me to a contract. That was the beginning of something extraordinary.”
Your Feature Film Debut: Working with Betty Grable
“Making my debut in My Blue Heaven in 1950 alongside Betty Grable was nothing short of life-changing. Can you imagine how thrilling it was to work with my idol? Betty was gracious, talented, and inspiring. She set the bar high, and I learned so much from her. It was a dream come true right from the start.”
Breaking Through with South Pacific
“If it weren’t for South Pacific, I wouldn’t be sitting here having this conversation. It was the pinnacle of my career—the one project that defined everything. Filming on location in Kauai, Hawaii, was hard work, but it was also exhilarating. Working alongside Rossano Brazzi and singing the iconic Rodgers and Hammerstein score was pure magic. Oscar Hammerstein even joined us on set and directed me in one scene. It was unforgettable!”
Filming There’s No Business Like Show Business: A Lifelong Bond
“Working on There’s No Business Like Show Business introduced me to some lifelong friends, especially Ethel Merman and Donald O’Connor. Donald and I clicked instantly; he was incredibly talented and versatile. We even talked about remaking some classic Preston Sturges comedies as musicals, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen because Donald wanted to explore dramatic roles. Still, he remained a dear friend, and I cherished every moment we shared.”
Favorite Costars: A Star-Studded Cast
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with some of the greatest talents in Hollywood. My leading men include Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, Bing Crosby, Donald O’Connor, Yul Brynner, David Niven, and Kirk Douglas. Wow! How does a girl keep up with that lineup? Rossano Brazzi stands out as someone truly special. He and his wife, Lydia, became cherished friends of mine and my late husband, Jack. Their friendship meant the world to me.”
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Working with Designer Bob Mackie: A Creative Partnership
“Bob Mackie and I are on the same wavelength. He understands every aspect of who I am and elevates it to another level. Whether it’s making me look glamorous or transforming me into a character like Shirley Temple, a gypsy, or even Dr. Ruth, Bob can do it all. We have so much fun collaborating. I’ll never forget the first beaded nude illusion gown he designed for my 1969 TV special—it made me feel like a million bucks.”
Life Beyond the Spotlight
Marriage to Jack Bean: A Partnership of 52 Years
“There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for a successful marriage. Ours lasted 52 wonderful years, and it was built on trust, love, and mutual support. Jack was my rock, my champion, and my partner in every sense of the word. Together, we were ‘
