The passing of the 93-year-old actress has sparked interest in her husband of 52 years.
Key Takeaways
- Mitzi Gaynor passed away of natural causes on October 17, 2024, aged 93.
- She was married to her husband, Jack Bean, for 52 years until his passing in 2006.
- The couple shared not only a loving personal relationship but also a professional one.
Mitzi Gaynor, the American actress, singer, and dancer, has passed away at 93, as confirmed by her management team’s statement on October 17, 2024.
The celebrated actress was most famous for her role as Nellie Forbush in the 1958 film adaptation of the musical “South Pacific.”
As the news of her tragic passing circulates, many fans are curious about her long and celebrated life, particularly her 52-year-long marriage with her husband.
— Mitzi Gaynor (@TheMitziGaynor) October 17, 2024
Mitzi Gaynor shared her life with Jack Bean, a film producer and her personal manager.
Jack Bean was born on January 14, 1922, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and would later become an influential figure behind the scenes in Hollywood.
His career began in the entertainment world as a young promoter, and he later saw himself organizing USO shows during World War II.
After his service, Bean went on to work with significant names in entertainment and ultimately became a central figure in managing his wife’s career.
Jack Bean and Mitzi Gaynor married in 1954 and remained together until his passing in 2006.
Their relationship was more than a personal union—it was also a professional partnership that helped Gaynor’s career soar.
Bean produced her shows and played a significant role in turning Gaynor into a household name.
He helped manage and produce her annual TV musical specials and Las Vegas acts, which became iconic successes.
Their collaboration extended to major projects like the Mitzi Gaynor Show and several multi-Emmy Award-winning musical specials.
In 2016, in an interview with getTV, she said,
Gaynor and Bean celebrated their golden anniversary in 2004.
Bean traveled with her throughout her tours and spent nearly every moment together.
Gaynor has often spoken of Bean’s constant support, calling him the driving force behind her career.
He also fought to secure her iconic role in South Pacific, a career-defining moment for Gaynor.
Jack Bean passed away on December 4, 2006, at the age of 84 due to pneumonia.
She fondly remembered her husband even years after his passing, occasionally featuring a tribute on her social media.
In a heartfelt Valentine’s Day post, she captioned,
Mitzi Gaynor’s passing marks the end of a dynamic chapter in Hollywood, but her and her husband’s influence and their story have left a lasting legacy in Hollywood.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Mitzi Gaynor, born Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber, began performing in public at the age of four.
- Mitzi has danced with some of the greatest choreographers and dancers of her time, including Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor.
- In addition to her film and stage work, Mitzi Gaynor won an Emmy Award for her television special “Mitzi… Roarin’ in the 20s” in 1976.