Sunday Profile: Entertainer Mitzi Gaynor

Mitzi Gaynor has been playing with audiences for more than 70 years now, in movies, then on TV and in Vegas. The singer, dancer and actress talks with Mo Rocca about being wooed by Howard Hughes, landing the starring role in the film version of "South Pacific," and sharing the "Ed Sullivan Show" stage with The Beatles.
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[@dianalee3059]

In the movie version which I loved, my Dad, Bill Lee, provided the singing voice for John Kerr (Lt. Cable), performing Younger than Springtime (just killed it!), My Girl Back Home, and You’ve Got to be Taught. I always loved this movie so much. Mitzi did a great job

[@daphneduryea9136]

Did they play a recording of your dad on set & John Kerr lip-sync to it? Or did your dad have to actually be there?

[@dianalee3059]

@@daphneduryea9136 Dad pre-recorded 3 songs of Lt Cable’s, Younger Than Springtime, My Girl Back Home, and You’ve Got to Be Taught. John Kerr then lip-synced the songs when he filmed the movie. I don’t know if they ever actually met.

[@daphneduryea9136]

@@dianalee3059 Interesting. Thanks for responding. And then your dad did Christopher Plummer's, too. WoW!

[@buddyvilla7393]

I saw South Pacific” when I was about 10 on NBC TV so around 1973. I went down to Tower Records the next day to buy the soundtrack album specifically to hear your dad’s version of “ Younger than springtime “. My single Mom Carol and I listened to the album hundreds of times. Still one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful songs I’ve ever heard!!!! Thank you for sharing your story about your dad !!!

[@judyevancic4926]

She was so good in everything she did… very down to earth.. stayed grounded.. I always liked her talents singing and dancing…

[@jimrick6632]

I TURN 83 IN NOVEMBER AND HAVE FOLLOWED MITZI THRU THE YEARS...ONE OF A KIND TALENT ...SOOOO SORRY TO SEE HER NOT ABLE TO MOVE ABOUT ANYMORE...MUST BE HARD FOR AN EX DANCER...HANG IN THERE MITZI...YOU ARE NOT ALONE....

[@jaymiller338]

She's A Class Act....

[@katherine.benson4489]

I was watching from my college dorm the night Mitzi and the Beatles were on Ed Sullivan and she stole the show. She was spectacular!

[@lynncarden]

She always was terriffic

[@jerryreyes7292]

Mitzi Gaynor is one of the best song and dance entertainers of the golden age.

[@nordicvolkan]

God, I love this show it re-introduces these forgotten Hollywood icons by the main Stream media. Guys cherish these old stars before they gone .

[@jenuine182]

Omg...just discovered this woman...on Lazy, for the first time. Loved her instantly.

[@kencampbell2359]

She is quite simply my favorite performer ever.

[@corriepitt7630]

Absolutely wonderful and appealing performer. She owned the role of Nellie the nurse, in “South Pacific“.

[@gracie2298]

So little fabric covering up so much Italian. The response from Mo, I busted out laughing. He did not expect that saucy comment from Ms. Gaynor. May your leg heal & you trip the light fantastic once again!

[@chitsb]

“So little fabric covering up so much Italian” oh man I burst out laughing when she said that and made the interviewer feel so awkward 😂🤣

[@MichaelGunner123]

Oh, he wasn't feeling too awkward being that he appreciates hunky men....just like I do.

[@kaneki-ken96]

Ladies and gentlemen, Mitzi Gaynor 💖

[@jag1963]

A powerhouse and she's still gourgeous.

[@peponwi2716]

She just got better with age didn't she. I always sensed she was genuinely having a ball whenever she performed no matter how high the stakes, and now I know it for sure.

[@A358M]

I recently got to know of her watching few of her interviews on KZbin. What a beautiful, humble,sassy woman she is. I am so happy she's around. We lose these past amazing entertainers saddens me deeply.

[@noextrai]

God She's still so quick and endearing. "I dunno. a lot."

[@lynncarden]

I just loved her ...I don't think I missed seeing any of the movies she was in....When she was younger she looked like the girls that didn't have all the latest and the huge hair ect ect....she looked like the girls who were pretty without all the goods of makeup...like someone I could easily have been friends with....So talented and she seemed not to have the "I am a star...get out of my way" attitude...I could watch her all day...

[@FabinhoFlapp]

Gaynor is terrific, electrifying. Definitely, she's an underrated star. Her powerful number at the Oscars 1966 is one of best live performances in Academy Awards History. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@imeanithonest5704]

My father FINALLY bought a color TV just to watch Mitzi Gaynor.

[@mariaevans5793]

What a nice lady,she knows her strengths and her weaknesses, she is not full of herself, secure in her talent !!!!!!!😁🇬🇧

[@davidahlstrom7533]

Those Rogers and Hammerstein songs she song briefly here are such classics, from South Pacific.

[@JeffMcNeal]

God I love her personality. How fun.

[@Stevebaby123]

She’s awesome. I’ve heard her say before she thought she was just so so on film. I think her high standards kept her on point. To me, she DID do well on film and is the gold standard. I just love her in There’s No B like Show B. Thank you Mitzi!

[@sailingforhome7578]

Mitzi Tweeted this last week in support of Saving the Deauville: The gorgeous Deauville Hotel in Miami Beach is a cherished part of my life, and an landmark in show business history. I’ve recently read that the hotel, a masterpiece of the modernist architectural style known as MiMo (Miami Modern), has been recommended for demolition due to several years of neglect. When I first played Miami Beach in 1962, The Deauville was my home. In 1964, I shared its beautiful stage with The Beatles when we appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show broadcast live to millions across the country from the Deauville’s ballroom. It’s a moment that continues to reverberate across time and across music history. The Deauville helped establish Miami Beach as the “sun & fun capital of the world” and its showroom welcomed me and a host of artists in an era when this magic city was second only to Las Vegas as a major entertainment destination. I could go on and on about the many special memories that live within its walls…and how its mystique still lures visitors to the Miami. My wish is that this great lady of show business will somehow be saved and restored to its former glory. I hope the good people of the City of Miami Beach & its officials will help. I applaud the efforts of organizations such as Miami Design Preservation League for bringing attention to the need to preserve this glorious hotel. #SavetheDeauville Love ya, Mitzi #thebeatles #miamibeach #historicpreservation

[@MosaicRose99]

Love her sense of humor. :)

[@jochenstossberg5427]

She was the only Nellie Forbush. Seen more than I can count but she was the only one who got it totally right. She got the mix of youthful naivete and genuine sweetness perfect. This had to be a young girl that everyone loved, everyone wanted to do something for, and the audience genuinely want to be happy. Nobody else who was up for that role could have nailed it the way Mitzi did. If Doris Day had done it, you would have wondered why she hadn't been put in charge of the troops. Mitzi was the perfect choice - and the camera loved you honey. No doubt about that. That gigantic, almost 3D without glasses Todd-AO film process, was ruthless. You passed the test in South Pacific, TOTALLY. Love the film. Love you.

[@lemorab1]

I loved Mitzi in the movie too, but I will always wonder how Doris Day would've done it. Doris could still play youthful naivete and sweetness in 1957, though I admit Doris was getting a bit too mature by then for the part of Nellie Forbush. I always wondered why they didn't make the movie sooner, like 1953. The Broadway show was done in the late 1940's.

[@chaturongarchary9773]

​​@@lemorab1From some info inside cd cover..a producer deemed Doris was always remembered as a famous name more than a character actress..so was Liz Taylor another choice..👈

[@lemorab1]

@@chaturongarchary9773 Oh, Elizabeth.... just imagine if they had gone with Liz, the movie was in theaters, and August 1958 happened. For those too young to remember, that's when Liz/Eddie/Debbie broke wide open. No, Elizabeth wasn't going to work in that part, especially since she couldn't sing and dance. I love Mary Martin as Nellie. I listen to the soundtrack from the original Broadway cast all the time. But, Mary was in her mid-forties by then and Hollywood had deemed her "not photogenic enough" years earlier. Doris Day had more than proven herself as a character actress in "Young at Heart," (1954) and "The Man Who Knew Too Much," (1956.) But, Doris was past her moment to shine as innocent, wet-behind-the-ears Nellie Forbush. In 1953, she'd have been perfect. I was one of those little girls who lip-synced endlessly to "Secret Love" when I was growing up in the fifties. Mitzi was ideal as Nellie. These interviews with her are a total delight. She really knows how to tell a story and I love her cheekiness. I hope she lives forever. And she's way too modest about the camera. It loved her!!

[@chaturongarchary9773]

@@lemorab1Mary Martin..on Broadway...Mitzi..on screen...They were on the right place...right time..from That's entertainment Liz accepted she sang not so well.IMO.she deserved remembrance for a beautiful queen afterward..while Audrey was another choice for the part,as well..🤫

[@chaturongarchary9773]

@@jochenstossberg5427 .. Also Glenn Close in version 2001....💎

[@diytom3448]

Such a wonderful woman. Love hearing her stories

[@redcan5254]

Mitzi (!!) ... the Camera Loved You and The Stage Loved You too ... you were PHENOMENAL (!!) ... March 9 2022 (2232 hrs)

[@allenjones3130]

Mitzi--a legend!

[@kathleenmcelvogue5257]

I loved to hear her speak and watch her great dancing.:)

[@jndancer]

Ohh Mitzi! An all rounder! She can dance, sing and act. You don't get that now. What a icon!

[@MichaelGunner123]

an icon

[@CongressAdmin]

Dancers are famed for being the most focused and self-controlled performers. Wild discipline. Mitzi’s a hard workin’ lady!

[@QuickWorksBeauty]

Didn’t know she was still around. Lovely interview!

[@sclogse1]

Mitsi in the George Gobbels film with David Niven...nobody ever looked more spectacular.

[@kathleenmetrick1929]

One of my favorite entertainers!!!

[@omahaw1728]

She will dance again. I have no doubt. Always a dancer.

[@claudiascott6484]

Very interesting interview of an excellent actress and all around entertainer.

[@megankazukibuttons9334]

88 and sharp as a tac. I want to be like her when I grow up. (55 now, so still have some time)

[@keithmerscheim1924]

A simple thing to say to you Mitzi thank you and ❤️ Love you for all that you've givin us.

[@erickaforman387]

I have neck and back injuries. In my mind I move too. Only 53. Will move again. Or still in my head. Chair dancing is ok. You go girl. Had love of your life. Knew Howard just wanted what he did. Hey. Kindred.

[@2_thumbs_up_baby]

Keep dancing 🤗

[@winstonbrown1516]

Powerful, no nonsense and talented woman. You'll dance/Jig, again!

[@bbrown333]

I'm so happy we still have her. I did get to see her in person once.

[@pbenson56fran]

How well I remember her in many movies.

[@dianaaljadeff2983]

Happy 90 birthday Mitzi Gaynor

[@markberryhill2715]

Now I know why my folks loved her so much and why we never missed anything she was on,and especially why my dad did. (He was a "leg man")lol

[@avuncular300]

What a girl !" What an entertainer ! Best wishes from Wales.

[@gtlfb]

Those clips from her specials remind me of how much music there used to be on TV. All those variety shows, review shows, the teen shows, and specials like hers, bringing the very best in entertainment to our homes every night - and only three networks. Now I have hundreds of stations and nothing to watch. The “Let Go” number that opened her second (I think) special had her wearing Bob Mackie’s first nude illusion dress. Still a stunner.

[@markclark7178]

She was a doll !

[@johnflynn9619]

Mitzi is a Doll. Great performer & actress.

[@duranddavis7710]

Never ever Stop!

[@sailingforhome7578]

Mitzi very famously starred at the Deauville Beach Resort with the Beatles, live on the Ed Sullivan Show with approximately 70 Million TV viewers, in one of the most significant musical performances and cultural events of all time. Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Count Basie, Diana Ross and the Supremes, and dozens of other superstars also performed at the "Hotel of the Stars" - the "Crown Jewel of North Miami Beach". Eleanor Roosevelt and President John F. Kennedy spoke there, too. In addition to being a historical treasure, it is also an architectural landmark. Despite all this, confirmed by last week's front page story in the New York Times, its owners want to demolish every part of it, even the famous Napoleon Ballroom and stage where Mitzi and the Beatles, and so many other immortals played in their heydays. Don't Let Them Do It! It's two-story and less "Historic Heart" - including its famous porte cochere, ballroom, stage, lobby, and pool area - are irreplaceable treasures. See Mitzi's beautiful tweet last week very compellingly supporting for protecting the Deauville from demolition. Please HELP! Save the Deauville!

[@charlesrussell5458]

Made for Jack Cole work dazzling 3 Cole masterpieces in 1 filmI

[@DEB781]

She's gorgeous thru and thru!

[@DannySale01]

🥇Absolutely class🥇 They sure don't make them like that, no more🎉 🥇Epitome of cool 😎

[@robertsmit9872]

Such a lovely lovely woman!

[@siempremarisol]

she is great

[@MichaelGunner123]

What a performer!!! 😀❤️😀

[@Saral_Lekhi]

God...such a charmer....❤️

[@TheGardengal638]

Oh I just love her 🥰

[@charlesrussell5458]

Brilliant in all the Jac Cole work made to dance it he loved her

[@amiblueful]

She is still absolutely beautiful.

[@dpf5939]

No mention that her first movie role was in the Betty Grable-Dan Dailey movie My Blue Heaven in 1950? In her interviews she always said how much she admired Betty Grable.

[@chrissullivan4496]

A true entertainer

[@Endmomrntsbestrong]

She is amazing

[@pbenson56fran]

She says the camera didn't love her. Well, I would not agree with her on that, but its about what she says not me. I loved watching her dance and sing. Of course, as a kid I would try to dance and sing with any musical that I watch. Just being corny.

[@dallasjones8185]

Love her !

[@leofong5362]

Wonderful person! Loved her in “The Jokers Wild!”

[@patriciamartinez5836]

I saw that show. I was 11. Mitzi was fabulous. So we’re the Beatles

[@buddyvilla7393]

Les Girls was made several years before I was born but Mitzi’s dance number in the black cocktail dress has been etched in my mind for almost 40 years now. I once heard Mitzi say “ Donald O Connor was a better dancer/ dance partner than Gene Kelly”. Mitzi was wrong about one thing :?The camera did love her very much indeed. !!!

[@tedwatson9929]

wow... what a living doll

[@suzanneschulz8479]

All that exercise helped her live longed

[@vernaburns1629]

SO Beautiful!

[@edgardagosto1917]

Beautiful lady today.

[@Thesavageeye]

She had the most gorgeous body and wonderful skills as an actress. And very pretty‼️🌺

[@faehse47]

Fabulous woman

[@archie7186]

dam that woman has class

[@glenn20081965]

She looks amazing ❤

[@chubbybrain]

Love you Mitzi !!!!

[@felix121984]

More attractive at 89 than Joan Crawford was at 65.

[@DavidMiller-kf1ss]

Love them old dolls who lived it.🎉

[@bachrocktheamericahatersan5799]

Gorgeous

[@corinneanderson1273]

Great entertainer

[@BellaFirenze]

Mitzi Gaynor turned 93 on September 3, 2024.

[@lolalee7071]

🙏👏👌👍😘🙏

[@chubbybrain]

Boy can you sing🎉🎉🎉

[@hebneh]

Mitzi had the misfortune to come along at the end of the Hollywood musical years, meaning that she didn't get the chance to really succeed as she might have.

[@davidcause9942]

RIP Olivia. 💔

[@melindamullins9649]

👍🎼😁✌

[@johnnyj0104]

3:25 she is NOT amused. Lol 😆

[@emeraldkimble7602]

Mary Martin had original Broadway role

[@celiagomez7536]

I hated how Mo joked with her earring. He could've showed the earrings to the camera and show her respect.

[@chitsb]

So if you wore a strapless dress and sweated you were lascivious 😳

[@gabevachon326]

Was she Joey Heatherton's mother?

[@gabevachon326]

I knew that. They should have done a duet or something. TVs would have exploded across America. Mitzi should have done more films or been on Matlock.

[@wendeqallab6656]

She was and is so beautiful and such a charmer.

[@marymarysmarket3508]

No

[@Marilyn1960s]

Sounds more tired than the last interview that I've seen on here not as vibrant,she just said hurt leg nuff said.

[@nondescript2892]

Sensible not to marry Howard Hughes...he was so deep in the closet...there have been enough beards

[@jackchen7003]

I know she’s old, but she doesn’t seem very energetic in this interview

[@b.deville3236]

Mo Rocca = *puke*.

[@twerkinthecityhuh6340]

I remember watching her tv shows....they were the best!!

[@robertrobert8515]

My first crush in the 60s

[@twerkinthecityhuh6340]

Now 91 ..... 2022. What a great broad .... Hate to see her getting frail