Mitzi Gaynor
Biography
Mitzi Gaynor was born Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber on September 4, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois. She was an American actress, singer, and dancer of Hungarian descent who worked as a leading lady in light musicals. She is best remembered for her role in South Pacific, released in 1958, which earned her a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical. In addition to her film work, she hosted a series of successful annual musical television specials during the late 1960s and early 1970s. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. Mitzi Gaynor died on October 17, 2024, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 93.
Career overview
Mitzi Gaynor was born Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber on September 4, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois. She established herself as an American actress, singer, and dancer of Hungarian descent, working primarily as a leading lady of light musicals.
Throughout her career, Gaynor became best remembered for her role in South Pacific, which was released in 1958. Her performance in the film earned her a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical. As a leading lady of movie musicals during the mid-twentieth century, she eventually abandoned film as the era of movie musicals came to an end.
In addition to her film work, Gaynor hosted a string of successful annual musical television specials during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Her contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. She passed away on October 17, 2024, in Los Angeles, California.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
46 titles- Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion (2024) as Self
- Rat Pack (2022) as Self (archive footage)
- Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It (2021) as Self
- My Music: A Classic Christmas (2019) as Self (archive footage)
- Hello: A Portrait Of Leslie Phillips (2013) as Self
- Mitzi Gaynor: Razzle Dazzle! The Special Years (2008) as Self
- Cole Porter in Hollywood: Ça c'est l'amour (2003) as Self (archive footage)
- Mitzi... What's Hot, What's Not (1978) as Self
- Mitzi... Zings Into Spring (1977) as Self
- Mitzi... Roarin' in the 20s (1976) as Self
- Mitzi & 100 Guys (1975) as Self
- The 1974 Annual Las Vegas Entertainment Awards (1974) as Self - Presenter
- Mitzi... A Tribute to the American Housewife (1974) as Self
- Mitzi... The First Time (1973) as Self
- Mitzi's 2nd Special (1969) as Self
- Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (1968) as Self (uncredited)
- Mitzi (1968) as Self
- For Love or Money (1963) as Kate Brasher
- Marilyn (1963) as archive footage
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self
- Lykke og krone (1962)
- Surprise Package (1960) as Gabby Rogers
- Happy Anniversary (1959) as Alice Walters
- The Frank Sinatra Timex Show (1959) as Self
- Kraft Music Hall (1958) as Self - Host
- The Dick Clark Show (1958) as Self
- South Pacific (1958) as Ensign Nellie Forbush, USN
- Les Girls (1957) as Joanne Henderson
- The Joker is Wild (1957) as Martha Stewart
- The Birds and the Bees (1956) as Jean Harris
- Anything Goes (1956) as Patsy Blair
- Reflets de Cannes (1954) as Self
- There's No Business Like Show Business (1954) as Katy Donahue
- A Star Is Born World Premiere (1954) as Self
- Three Young Texans (1954) as Rusty Blair
- The Oscars (1953) as Self
- The I Don't Care Girl (1953) as Eva Tanguay
- Down Among the Sheltering Palms (1953) as Rozouila
- This Is Your Life (1952) as Self
- We're Not Married! (1952) as Patsy Reynolds
- Bloodhounds of Broadway (1952) as Emily Ann Stackerlee
- Golden Girl (1951) as Lotta Crabtree
- Take Care of My Little Girl (1951) as Adelaide Swanson
- My Blue Heaven (1950) as Gloria Adams
- It's Your Health (1949) as Peggy Hendricks, Jim's girlfriend
- The Ed Sullivan Show (1948) as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Mitzi Gaynor best known for?
Mitzi Gaynor is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Man of the Year (2006), For Love or Money (1963), The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962), Kraft Music Hall (1958).
When and where was Mitzi Gaynor born?
Mitzi Gaynor was born on September 4, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. They passed away on October 17, 2024.
How many credits does Mitzi Gaynor have?
Mitzi Gaynor has accumulated over 46 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1948 to 2024.
What is Mitzi Gaynor's background in cinema and television?
Mitzi Gaynor was born Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber on September 4, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois. She was an American actress, singer, and dancer of Hungarian descent who worked as a leading lady in light musicals. She is best remembered for her role in South Pacific, released in 1958, which earned her a nominat...
Mitzi Gaynor by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The Joker is Wild (1957) as Martha Stewart — aged about 25
- A Star Is Born World Premiere (1954) as Self — aged about 22
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self — aged about 30
- My Blue Heaven (1950) as Gloria Adams — aged about 18
- The Oscars (1953) as Self — aged about 21
- Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (1968) as Self (uncredited) — aged about 36
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