Okay, I’m here to say it – Mitzi Gaynor doesn’t get enough recognition. Her name should be as much a household name as any other. Beauty, talent, style, grace… all with some to spare!
Granted, in the world around us, being peeved over the attention a favorite star receives or doesn’t receive is a bit trivial, I admit it. It’s just one of those things that has always mystified me – why do some stars achieve a “household name” level of stardom when others (equally worthy of it) do not? NOTHING at ALL against the ones who are household names – if they weren’t, let’s be honest, I’d be here championing them. It’s just kind of a mystery.
How is Martha Vickers not as well-known as Veronica Lake?
Why do Millennials not recognize the name Ray Milland as easily as they recognize the name Marlon Brando?
Why isn’t Angie Dickinson as synonymous with beauty as Marilyn Monroe?
Why don’t Generation Xers know, not only who Mitzi Gaynor is, but the names of her best movies?!
Okay, you get the idea. It is simply mind-boggling how some names and faces are immediately known even by those who don’t even watch classic movies while other names cause them to say, “Who was he… seems like I know the name…”
Oh well, that’s why I created Hollywood Yesterday and it’s why, many years later, I’m still right here – to keep these wonderful, magical stars shining as bright as ever.
Below is a musical number from of my favorite Mitzi Gaynor movies, South Pacific (1958). LOVE this movie so much!