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.
Please share this story in memory of this show biz icon ❤️💔
“No Matter What” is a duet by Ronan Keating and Carola, a Swedish superstar.
The Memorable Duet of Ronan Keating and Carola at Allsang på Grensen
An Unforgettable Musical Partnership
A memorable moment occurred in 2018 during the Norwegian music festival Allsang på Grensen when Irish pop star Ronan Keating teamed up with Swedish superstar Carola for a duet that has amassed over 21 million views on YouTube. In 1998, the two gave an incredible performance of “No Matter What,” a worldwide success for Keating’s band Boyzone.
A Combination of Success and Talent
Known for selling over 20 million records as a solo artist and an extra 25 million with Boyzone, Ronan Keating performed alongside Carola, a prominent figure in Swedish music since the 1980s. The audience was in awe of the combination of Carola’s strong voice and Keating’s sultry vocals during the performance.
An Emmy-winning Performance
The night’s high point was the duo’s performance, which included Carola’s beautiful voice enhancing Keating’s sincere delivery. The audience, which included a mother and daughter pair, was enthralled with the musical chemistry on stage and happily danced to the song’s beat.
Carola: A Legendary Scandinavian
There is no denying Carola’s influence on Scandinavian music. Her debut album “Främling” continues to sell more copies in Sweden than any record released by ABBA. Her triumph in the 1991 Eurovision Song Contest with “Fångad av en stormvind” cemented her place in music history; her winning performance has received over 350,000 views on YouTube.
Witness the enchantment of Ronan Keating and Carola’s rendition of “No Matter What” at Allsang på Grensen. To relive this priceless musical moment, watch the video below.
Leave a Reply