Mitzi Gaynor, American actor and singer, has died at the age of 93

South Pacific star Mitzy Gaynor, who appeared in musicals with Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly, has died aged 93.

According to a statement from her managers, Gaynor died of natural causes in Los Angeles on Thursday morning local time.

She was one of the last survivors of Hollywood's so-called Golden Age and her entertainment career in film and theater spanned more than eight decades.

Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber, known as Mitzi, was born in Chicago in 1931.

She came from a music-loving family and began singing and dancing at a young age. From the age of seven she took ballet and tap lessons.

In a 2003 interview, Gaynor said she had a clear memory of her stage debut.

She had neglected to use the toilet before a dance school concert and when she turned to face the audience, a puddle formed on the stage.

“I ran off the stage screaming and kicking, but I got huge applause, so I dried myself off and put on some lipstick,” she said.

“After the next girl with batons was doing hula and slipped on the wet floor, I walked out and said, 'I'm fine now, can I do this?' and I got cheers.”

Lovesick nurse Nellie

Gaynor is best known for her role as Nellie Forbush in the film South Pacific, but also for her appearance in notable films such as We're Not Married! and there's no business like show business.

“South Pacific” received three Oscar nominations and won for best sound, while Gaynor was nominated for a Golden Globe for best actress.

Sinatra helped Gaynor land the role of the lovesick nurse Nellie, who had been eagerly sought by Hollywood stars.

She was filming her biggest scene with Sinatra in the musical The Joker Is Wild when she was asked to audition for lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II on a one-day opportunity.

Sinatra informed her that he was changing the filming schedule for Gaynor so that she would get the role in South Pacific and was cast opposite Rossano Brazzi.

After “South Pacific,” Gaynor shifted her focus from film to television, making early appearances on Donald O'Connor's variety series “Here Comes Donald” and on CBS' “The Jack Benny Hour.”

She was the only woman to appear as a guest star on the ABC special “The Frank Sinatra Timex Show” in 1959, alongside Sinatra, Crosby, Dean Martin and Jimmy Durante.

Gaynor also starred in several television variety specials, many of which received nominations and won Emmy Awards.

From film to stage

Gaynor reinvented herself as an entertainer late in her career, working with her husband and manager Jack Bean.

She was a Las Vegas fixture for several years, appearing in week-long residencies at the Flamingo Hotel and the Riviera Hotel for more than a decade.

She starred in her own musical, which was a big draw in cinemas in Australia, Canada, the US and the UK.

When it became too difficult and expensive to tour with a full orchestra, dancers and backstage staff, Gaynor scaled back the production, eventually making it a one-woman show.

They continued to tour every year until 2002, taking a break due to her husband's illness.

In a 2003 interview, Gaynor said that she loved touring

“We go back to the same places, it’s like we’re visiting friends,” she said.

“After the show, people come backstage to the dressing room and we renew friendships.

“We send out almost 3,000 Christmas cards every year.”

“Vibrant” and “extraordinary” woman

Gaynor's longtime managers Rene Reyes and Shane Rosamonda thanked their friends and fans.

“Your love, support and appreciation meant a lot to her and was a lasting gift in her life,” they said in a joint statement.

“Off stage she was a vibrant and extraordinary woman, a caring and loyal friend and a warm, kind, very funny and overall wonderful human being.”

AP