Vivacious actress and dancer Mitzi Gaynor (1930-) was born Francesca Mitzi Gerber in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of a ballerina and classical musician, and rumored to be a descendant of Hungarian aristocracy.

"Dance," said the renown Martha Graham, "is the hidden language of the soul." With dance, Gaynor tapped into her soul at age four with dreams of becoming a star like her idol Betty Grable. Gaynor joined the L.A. Light Opera Company's corps de ballet by age 12.

The leggy beauty made her screen debut with Grable in 1950's My Blue Heaven, and with passionate exuberance starred in films opposite Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Gene Kelly. Her charisma lit up the screen.

She is best known for her role as Ensign Nellie Forbush in the successful Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific (1958), which was filmed on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

"I'm gonna wash that man right outta my hair," Gaynor promised in the film's memorable song. "And send him on his way."

More recently, the talented actress has dazzled fans with her musical and dance in Las Vegas nightclub acts, on television specials, and in touring road shows.

Light the world with your exuberance!