Mitzi Gaynor, iconic entertainer and “South Pacific” star, dead at 93

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.”

Mitzi Gaynor publicity portrait for 1958 film ‘South Pacific’. (Photo by Screen Archives/Getty Images).

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 BusinessAnything GoesBloodhounds 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.

Mitzi Gaynor in a publicity still for the movie South Pacific. (Photo by Herbert Dorfman/Corbis via Getty Images)

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.

Please share this story in memory of this show biz icon ❤️💔

A wayward mouse undergoes “rehabilitation” after consuming a cannabis plant

Farmers often face challenges from pests like rodents and insects that threaten their crops and spread diseases. In an amusing incident in New Brunswick, Canada, a mouse was found in a cannabis field, appearing “stoned” and passed out on a pile of leaves.

Colin Sullivan spotted the mouse raiding his garden for two consecutive days and shared pictures of the little critter enjoying the leaves before it succumbed. Eventually, the mouse was discovered lying on its back, seemingly unwell.

Sullivan decided to care for the mouse, placing it in a cage to help it recover. After six days, the mouse was healthy enough to return to the wild. Sullivan humorously recounted the experience on Facebook, saying: “I watched this little rascal munch on my plants until he dozed off”. He also noted that the mouse, missing one ear, might have been trying to cope with some stress, prompting him to intervene and provide a safe space for recovery.

Sullivan updated his followers about the mouse’s condition, stating it had a rough time but was gradually getting better, now eating just one leaf a day. “One day at a time”, he advised. When the mouse was finally released from “rehab”, Sullivan celebrated its recovery with a playful post titled “On The Rodent To Redemption”, highlighting the mouse’s journey and the importance of supporting those in recovery.

His posts garnered massive attention, with the first receiving over 461,000 shares and the follow-up accumulating more than 6,400 shares and 1,500 comments filled with jokes and encouragement. Commenters expressed their delight in the mouse’s recovery, with one suggesting that it might have experienced a wild adventure, while another thanked Sullivan for caring for the little creature.

Sullivan, who has personal experience with substance detox, dedicated a heartfelt message to his wife, Robyn, crediting her support for his long-term sobriety. Many people who initially came for the story of the mouse found themselves inspired by Sullivan’s message of hope and recovery. Cannabis became legal in Canada in 2018, with each province, including New Brunswick, establishing its own regulations.

The New Brunswick government emphasizes creating a responsible culture around cannabis use, educating the public on health implications, and reaping the economic benefits of the industry. In this province, individuals must be 19 or older to consume cannabis, and possession is limited to 30 grams.  Public consumption is prohibited, and landlords can restrict tenants from smoking or growing cannabis, although they cannot prohibit cannabis use if tobacco smoking is allowed. It’s essential for New Brunswick residents to understand the risks of cannabis use to make informed decisions.

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