Mitzi Gaynor, iconic entertainer and “South Pacific” star, dead at 93

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.”

Mitzi Gaynor publicity portrait for 1958 film ‘South Pacific’. (Photo by Screen Archives/Getty Images).

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 BusinessAnything GoesBloodhounds 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.

Mitzi Gaynor in a publicity still for the movie South Pacific. (Photo by Herbert Dorfman/Corbis via Getty Images)

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 ❤️💔

62-year-old Billy Ray Cyrus marries 34-year-old bride Firerose – fans upset by one little detail

Billy Ray Cyrus recently celebrated his wedding to Firerose in an intimate ceremony. This union followed his divorce from Tish Cyrus in 2022, marking the third time they filed for divorce after 28 years of marriage. Following the divorce, Billy Ray Cyrus began dating Firerose, an Australian artist, and the two announced their engagement in November 2022.

Interestingly, Billy Ray and Firerose had crossed paths years ago when Firerose auditioned for a role on “Hannah Montana” 13 years prior. This serendipitous encounter left a lasting impression on Billy Ray, who recalled the moment he first saw her and sensed her star potential. Although she didn’t land the role, Billy Ray introduced her to some producers, which ultimately led to a friendship that would later blossom into a romantic relationship.

Billy Ray and Firerose’s love story developed after his divorce in early 2022. They officially became a couple, and Firerose moved in with him in August 2022. Shortly thereafter, he proposed, and they decided to make their love official through marriage.

Their wedding coincided with Tish Cyrus, Billy Ray’s ex-wife, remarrying in August 2023 to “Prison Break” star Dominic Purcell. Tish’s two children from a previous relationship, Brandi and Trace, were in attendance at her wedding. Billy Ray had adopted Brandi and Trace while he was married to Tish. Billy Ray and Tish also have three children together: Miley Cyrus, Braison, and Noah.

Notably, Noah and Braison were absent from their mother’s wedding. They were seen together on the day of the wedding, posting on Instagram about their outing to Walmart. The choice of their outing on the wedding day raised some eyebrows.

As Billy Ray and Firerose shared pictures from their wedding day on social media, some fans focused on one detail: Billy Ray Cyrus’s hair. Some fans expressed surprise and wondered why he didn’t style his hair differently for the occasion, with comments like, “Could have at least brushed his hair for the occasion” and “He couldn’t comb his hair??” This sparked discussion about his hairstyle choice for the wedding.

Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose’s wedding marked a significant moment in their relationship, and while the focus may have been on his hair for some, it’s a celebration of love and happiness that they both clearly cherish.

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