One of the last surviving stars of classic Hollywood has passed away: Mitzi Gaynor, the vibrant actress, singer and dancer who starred in South Pacific and other golden age musicals, has died at 93.
Gaynor’s managers managers Rene Reyes and Shane Rosamonda confirmed the news to AP, saying that the actress died of natural causes 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,” they said in a statement.
“Your love, support and appreciation meant so very much to her and was a sustaining gift in her life.”
Born September 4, 1931 in Chicago, Gaynor began singing and dancing from a young age and signed a contract with Twentieth Century Fox at 17. After making her debut in 1950’s My Blue Heaven, she quickly rose to become a star.
One of classic Hollywood’s biggest “triple threats,” Gaynor’s singing, dancing and acting talents, combined with her energy and charm, made her a big draw in many hit musical films of the era, and she co-starred with some of the biggest movie stars. Her memorable films include There’s No Business Like Show Business, Anything Goes, Bloodhounds of Broadway and Les Girls.
But Gaynor is best known for starring in the 1958 film South Pacific, the big-screen adaptation of the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.
In the lead role of Nellie Forbush, Gaynor performed classic numbers like “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “A Cockeyed Optimist” and “A Wonderful Guy.” She received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
Gaynor made her last film appearance in 1963, but she reinvented herself as a live performer, to great success. Throughout the ’60s and ’70s, her act was a major draw in Las Vegas, and she had a series of lavishly produced television specials. She continued performing into her senior years.
Rest in peace to Mitzi Gaynor, one of the last surviving stars of golden age Hollywood who will always be remembered for her unforgettable performances in musicals like South Pacific.
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Аt thе аgе оf 32, shе wаs соnsidеrеd by mаny tо bе аn ехреriеnсеd drivеr. Тhеrе wаs nоthing tо susресt, hоwеvеr, оn thаt сursеd dаy, sоmеthing tеrriblе hарреnеd!
Courtney Ann Sanford, 32, renowned as an adept driver, met an unexpected end on a day that started likе any other. While on the road, she felt a surge of joy as her favorite song, “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, played on the radio. Wanting to shаrе her elation, Courtney took a selfie and captioned it, “This song makes me happy!” on Facebook. That split-second decision proved fatal.
Soon after, Courtney’s vehicle slammed into a truck at approximately 60 km/h. The force drove her car into a ditch and then into a tree. The devastating aftermath saw her car in flames, and trapped inside, she tragically succumbed.
When her family was alerted, they learned of her final Facebook post, eerily timed around the incident. Law enforcement confirmed, “The post was made at 8:33 AM. At 8:34 AM, we received the emergency call.”
Courtney’s tragic end underscores the peril of distracted driving. Her story stands as a stern reminder: “When behind the wheel, focus on driving; life’s precious moments can wait.” Every momentary distraction can lead to irreversible consequences.
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