This talented blonde dancer and light actress made her mark in Hollywood musicals starting from the early 1950s. Over the years, she became known for several standout performances, including her role in There’s No Business Like Show Business (1954), the 1956 remake of Anything Goes alongside Bing Crosby and Donald O’Connor, and Les Girls (1957), where she starred opposite Gene Kelly.
Gaynor truly shined in a couple of memorable screen roles. One was her portrayal of the girlfriend of nightclub comedian Joe E. Lewis, played by Frank Sinatra, in The Joker Is Wild (1957). Another was her performance as Nellie Forbush in the film adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific (1958), which further solidified her place in the world of musical cinema.
Throughout her career, Gaynor brought charm, grace, and a unique energy to the silver screen, making her a beloved figure in classic Hollywood musicals.
Mitzi Gaynor has been associated with a variety of films and musical projects throughout her career. Among those, one of her most acclaimed works is the documentary Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It (2021), which received high praise from audiences and critics alike. On the other hand, one of her less favorably reviewed projects is the classic musical There’s No Business Like Show Business (1954). While Mitzi Gaynor has enjoyed a long and storied career, these two works represent the range of reception she has experienced over the years.