A beloved actress who starred in famous musicals and films has died, leaving fans mourning the loss of one of the greats.
According to the Associated Press, Mitzi Gaynor, star of "South Pacific" and a long list of musicals with some of the most legendary names in the business, has died at 93.
Gaynor was known as one of the last living actresses from the "Golden Age" of musicals and film.
Her long-time managers Rene Reyes and Shane Rosamonda confirmed Gaynor's passing in a statement over the weekend, prompting tributes from fans and younger colleagues in the business.
Her two managers released a joint statement on Gayor's passing, which occurred in Los Angeles.
"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 wrote. "Your love, support and appreciation meant so very much to her and was a sustaining gift in her life."
Gaynor's career spanned an almost unbelievable eight decades. She cemented her fame by playing Nellie Forbush in the 1958 film "South Pacific."
The Associated Press noted:
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.”
Gaynor also played a major role in television at the time, having starred in "Here Comes Donald," and on CBS’ "The Jack Benny Hour."
She won approval early on from Frank Sinatra, and worked with other legends like Bing Crosby and Gene Kelly.
In October of 1959, she was the only women to guest star alongside Sinatra, Crosby, Dean Martin and Jimmy Durante on ABC’s “The Frank Sinatra Timex Show” special.
Given her fame and legacy, it comes as no surprise that many paid tribute to Gaynor across social media, celebrating her long career and her kindness off stage.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of legendary performer and our dear friend, Mitzi Gaynor.
A triple-threat across mediums, Gaynor danced & sang through 8 decades, capturing our hearts with her music and warmth – with performances that will endure long after this curtain call. pic.twitter.com/3hTWAEx3Ex
— TCM (@tcm) October 17, 2024
"I always think of South Pacific when I think of her. She was a phenomenal talent. Hope she is now dancing her way through the heavens," one X user wrote.
Another X user wrote, "So long, Mitzi. You were one of the greatest entertainers of all time."
