Mitzi Gaynor, Hollywood Icon Dies at 93

Mitzi Gaynor, known for her roles in 1950s musical films such as “South Pacific” and “Les Girls,” as well as for her popular variety specials in the 1970s, passed away on Thursday at the age of 93.

Gaynor's managers, Rene Reyes and Shane Rosamonda, informed Variety that she passed away from natural causes.

“For eight decades she entertained audiences in films, on television and on the stage. She truly enjoyed every moment of her professional career and the great privilege of being an entertainer,” Reyes and Rosamonda wrote in a statement on Gaynor’s X account. “Off stage, she was a vibrant and extraordinary woman, a caring and loyal friend, and a warm, gracious, very funny and altogether glorious human being.”

Gaynor played the role of Navy nurse Nellie Forbush in the 1958 film version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical "South Pacific," alongside Rossano Brazzi as French planter Emile De Becque and John Kerr as Lt. Cable. While Gaynor sang her own songs, many other cast members did not. As Nellie, she famously performed the song "I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair," which became closely linked to her throughout her lifetime.

Gaynor was married to agent and producer Jack Bean from 1954 until his death in 2006.

Our thoughts are with her loved ones.