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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Andrea Bocelli, resplendent in a crisp white suit, awaits a special guest on stage. Suddenly, Celine Dion emerges in a sparkling silver dress. Together, they deliver a history-making rendition of “The Prayer,” now the most-watched version with over 198 million views.
In 2015, Andrea Bocelli and Céline Dion, two of the most recognizable voices in music, performed a stunning live version of “The Prayer” together on stage. Originally featured in the 1998 film “Quest for Camelot,” this song is well-known for its depth of passion. Dion recorded the English version, while Bocelli recorded the Italian.
After the movie came out, the two worked together to create a duet of “The Prayer,” which was included on their studio albums that followed. Their amazing vocal harmony was highlighted by this collaboration, which also helped the song win several important accolades.
See the breathtaking rendition of “The Prayer” by Andrea Bocelli and Céline Dion in the video below. It’s a wonderful fusion of two incredible talents.
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