“For eight decades she entertained audiences in films, on television and on the stage.
The statement continued, She often noted that her audiences were the sunshine of my life.
Naturally, Gaynor developed an interest in the arts at a very young age.
Mitzi Gaynor.Stefanie Keenan/WireImage
Then known as Frances Gerber, Gaynor joined a troupe of USO dancers at age 13.
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She also had a supporting role in the 1957 Sinatra vehicle,The Joker Is Wild.
Mitzi Gaynor in ‘South Pacific’.Everett
I did Honey Bun, I did A Cockeyed Optimist.
I did everything but strip.
The 1958 film became the third highest-grossing movie of the year and earned three Academy Award nominations.
Gaynor won that years Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical.
Gaynor then headlined 1967sMitzi Gaynor Christmas Show, followed by standalone specials in 1968, 1969, and 1973.
In total, her nine specials accrued 16 Emmy nominations.
Gaynor was married to agent and producer Jack Bean from 1954 until his 2006 death.
