Announcement of Death
We proclaim the passing of Mitzi Gaynor, a famous actress, singer, and dancer, on 17th October 2024. She was 93. She is most remembered for her booming personality and enchanting acting performances. She will most be remembered for her classic role as Nellie Forbush in the classic 1958 musical movie “South Pacific,” which cemented her reputation in cinematic history.
Biography
She was born Marlene in Chicago to cellist Henry de Czanyi von Gerber and dancer Pauline Fisher on September 4, 1931. Early in life, Mitzi would be shown to appreciate the art world. Leaving with her mother for California, Mitzi joined the ballet corps of the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera at age 13 and eventually caught the attention of Twentieth Century Fox. A breakthrough performance came for her when she played opposite Betty Grable in “My Blue Heaven” (1950). She became a part of Hollywood’s cinematic history when she appeared in a few greats, especially “There’s No Business Like Show Business” in 1954 and “Anything Goes” in 1956.
Gaynor’s dynamic stage presence made her a star in the film and cabaret; she headlined Las Vegas shows and starred in Emmy-winning television specials. Her talent was unbeatable, for she could share a stage with any great–with a voice such as Ethel Merman’s backing her–and her dance moves earning her a place among such notables as Donald O’Connor.
Loved Ones
Offstage, she was supported by her husband Jack Bean, who managed her career very successfully till his death in 2006. They lived through the storm and the drama of show business and carried all of it with a gracious smile.
Memorial Services
Oh, Mitzi Gaynor leaves the world a little more brilliant because she was in it. Let her life be celebrated in a private ceremony with family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions to [Charity Name] in Loving Memory of [Lovely Person’s Name] can be contributed directly to their work in the performing arts.
Thanks.
For those who are interested, local obituary listings can be found through services such as Evansville obituary and more, Daily Record obituary (Wooster, Ohio), or the Chicago Tribune obituary. The past week has seen her death mentioned in a multitude of publications, from the Birmingham obituary to the Buffalo news obituary. This true icon of stage and screen will live on in cinema and theater.
Hobbies
Mitzi was an active worker during her lifetime. She never stopped being devoted to her work and her fans, doing some hobbies that showed her interest in the performing arts. Her joy in the arts, either through her ebullient Las Vegas shows or through her Emmy-award winning television specials, remained woven throughout and highly contagious.
