Mitzi Gaynor
Actress | Singer
Born Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber on
Sept. 4, 1931
in Chicago, Ill.
Best known for
her Golden Globe-nominated starring turn as Ensign Nellie Forbush in
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1958 musical “South Pacific,” Mitzi Gaynor
sang and danced her way to a multifaceted career on stage and screen,
giving audiences plenty of “Razzle Dazzle” along the way.
Born Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber, Gaynor, the daughter of a musician and dancer, originally trained as a ballerina. It was her agent (and future husband) Jack Bean who helped guide her to stardom; the couple was married for more than 50 years, until Bean’s death in 2006.
In the 1950s, Gaynor appeared in a series of memorable roles: Katy Donahue in 1954’s “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” Patsy Blair in 1956’s “Anything Goes” and Joanne ‘Joy’ Henderson in 1957’s “Les Girls.” She delivered a show-stopping performance of the song, “Georgy Girl,” at the 1967 Academy Awards.
She went on to become a television sensation with the 1968 special, “Mitzi,” a variety show featuring such big-name guest stars as Bob Hope, Carl Reiner and Michael Landon. More specials followed — the USC Marching Band once joined her in a musical medley.
The shows were nominated for a total of 17 Emmy awards; they claimed six.
During the 1990s, Gaynor chronicled Hollywood lore as a featured columnist for the Hollywood Reporter. She is actively involved in various charities including the Professional Dancers Society, where she serves as president.
Born Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber, Gaynor, the daughter of a musician and dancer, originally trained as a ballerina. It was her agent (and future husband) Jack Bean who helped guide her to stardom; the couple was married for more than 50 years, until Bean’s death in 2006.
In the 1950s, Gaynor appeared in a series of memorable roles: Katy Donahue in 1954’s “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” Patsy Blair in 1956’s “Anything Goes” and Joanne ‘Joy’ Henderson in 1957’s “Les Girls.” She delivered a show-stopping performance of the song, “Georgy Girl,” at the 1967 Academy Awards.
She went on to become a television sensation with the 1968 special, “Mitzi,” a variety show featuring such big-name guest stars as Bob Hope, Carl Reiner and Michael Landon. More specials followed — the USC Marching Band once joined her in a musical medley.
The shows were nominated for a total of 17 Emmy awards; they claimed six.
During the 1990s, Gaynor chronicled Hollywood lore as a featured columnist for the Hollywood Reporter. She is actively involved in various charities including the Professional Dancers Society, where she serves as president.
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