Mitzi Gaynor, “South Pacific” star who worked with Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, has died at 93

Mitzi Gaynor, known for her iconic role as Nellie Forbush in the classic 1958 film “South Pacific,” died Thursday in Los Angeles. She was 93.

Gaynor died of natural causes, the actress' longtime managers Rene Reyes and Shane Rosamonda confirmed in a statement to The Associated Press.

“As we celebrate her legacy, we thank her friends and fans and the countless viewers she entertained throughout her long life,” a statement said. “Their love, support and appreciation meant a lot to her and was a lasting gift in her life.”

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According to her longtime managers, Mitzi Gaynor died of natural causes. (Getty Images)

Gaynor's career in Hollywood spanned eight decades as the entertainer appeared on television, in films and on stage. Her film credits included We're Not Married! and There's No Business Like Show Business, but Gaynor was best known for her role in South Pacific.

She received a Golden Globe nomination for best actress, while the screenplay version of “South Pacific” received three Oscar nominations and won the Oscar for best sound.

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Mitzi Gaynor enjoys a donut in her dressing room, circa 1960. (Getty Images)

After the success of “South Pacific,” Gaynor moved to television, playing roles in “Here Comes Donald” and “The Jack Benny Hour.”

In 1959, Gaynor became the first woman to appear as a guest star on “The Frank Sinatra Timex Show” alongside Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin and Jimmy Durante.

Mitzi Gaynor performs on October 15, 1959 with Jimmy Durante, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. (Getty Images)

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Mitzi Gaynor portrays Rita Hayworth in “Long Ago and Far Away” during an hour-long NBC special entitled “Mitzi” circa July 1968. (Getty Images)

Before the end of her career, Gaynor reinvented herself as a stage performer. At one point she was the highest paid entertainer in Las Vegas. Gaynor's theater performance has toured the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.

“I love touring; I’ve been doing this most of my life,” Gaynor said in a 2003 interview. “We return to the same places; it's like visiting friends. After the show, people come backstage to the dressing room and we renew friendships. We send out almost 3,000 Christmas cards every year.”

Gaynor's husband and manager Jack Bean helped her launch her stage career. The two married in 1954. The couple had no children and Bean died in 2006.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.