Fans ‘deeply saddened’ following the passing of ‘true entertainer’ and South Pacific star Mitzi Gaynor

US actress Mitzi Gaynor, who “brought magic to our screens” with roles such as Nellie Forbrush in the classic film South Pacific, has sadly passed away at the age of 93.

With a career that spanned an impressive eight decades across film, television and the stage, Gaynor was among the last survivors of the golden age of the Hollywood musical.

Her longtime managers Rene Reyes and Shane Rosamonda announced her passing, revealing that she died of natural causes in Los Angeles on Thursday, October 17.

“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 to the Associated Press.

“Your love, support and appreciation meant so very much to her and was a sustaining gift in her life.”

Born September 4, 1931, Gaynor began training as a ballerina from a young age before going on to sing and dance with the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera Company.

At just 17 years of age, Gaynor signed a seven-year contract with Twentieth Century-Fox where she made her film debut with My Blue Heaven in 1950 before appearing in Take Care of My Little Girl in 1951.

Gaynor went on to secure a starring role as Lotta Crabtree in the musical biopic Golden Girl in 1951. During her time with Fox she also starred in We’re Not Married! (1952), the musical Bloodhounds of Broadway (1952), The I Don’t Care Girl (1952), and Three Young Texans (1954).

Gaynor’s most popular film during this period was There’s No Business Like Show Business in 1954.

Gaynor later appeared in the remake of Anything Goes alongside Bing Crosby for Paramount Studios. She went on to star with Frank Sinatra in The Joker is Wild in 1957 and in the same year, she appeared in MGM’s Les Girls with Gene Kelly.

Gaynor’s most recognised role, however, came in Rogers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific where she played Nellie Forbush. The role earned her a nomination for Best Actress- Motion Picture Comedy or Musical at the 1959 Golden Globe Awards.

Later in her career, Gaynor reinvented herself as a performing entertainer.

Fans were left “deeply saddened” by Gaynor’s passing with many taking to social media to offer their tributes and reflect on her “indelible mark on the entertainment world”.

Words cannot express the sorrow and sadness we feel at the loss of Mitzi Gaynor, an R&H legend known for her starring role as Nellie Forbush in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific in 1958.

Mitzi’s memory will forever live on through our screens and in our hearts. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/0KOIIRVaFE

— The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization (@RnH_Org) October 17, 2024

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

Mitzi Gaynor was one of the most talented and energetic actors of our time.

An epic triple threat who could pretty much do anything.

She was a dynamo. pic.twitter.com/L6hbuOGbrT

— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) October 17, 2024

Farewell to Mitzi Gaynor (1931-2024) actress, singer, dancer, headliner + TV variety show queen!

I met her in 2014 (with Bob Mackie, costume designer for her unforgettable TV specials) and she was larger than life.

“Gimme a second to primp!” she said when I took this picture.♥️ pic.twitter.com/gtcAQ3mHRY

— Will McKinley (@willmckinley) October 17, 2024

Rest in peace to the radiant Mitzi Gaynor. 🌷 A true entertainer, she brought magic to our screens, especially during her unforgettable appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show. Her timeless performances left an indelible mark on the entertainment world. 🎤✨ pic.twitter.com/5kRviSjcwS

— The Ed Sullivan Show (@EdSullivanShow) October 17, 2024

RIP to actress/singer/dancer Mitzi Gaynor. She shined in films like South Pacific & Les Girls, was a hot Las Vegas act and headlined numerous tv special throughout the 70’s. A true old-school Hollywood star. Ms. Gaynor was 93 #RIP #musical #MitziGaynor pic.twitter.com/Pb9SfUPNTf

— Tony S. 🖖 #HarrisWalz2024 (@Seven_Soldiers) October 17, 2024

Gaynor married talent agent Jack Bean in 1954 and they remained together until his death in 2006. The couple had no children.

-with AAP.