Mitzi Gaynor: A Dougsploitation Diva

Just came back from seeing (and meeting) the legendary Mitzi Gaynor!

Born Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber, Mitzi began dancing as a child and hasn't stopped yet.

This shapely, shimmering superstar has had a career that spans film, stage and television.

She appeared in many films, including THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS (1954) alongside Ethel Merman (her showbiz "mom") and Marilyn Monroe,

LES GIRLS (1957) with Gene Kelly and in the film version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC (1958).

On February 16, 1964, Gaynor performed in between two sets by The Beatles when they made their second appearance on THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. On the show, Mitzi performed a nine-minute medley including Cole Porter's "Too Darn Hot".

Throughout the 1960s and '70s Gaynor starred in a string of popular TV specials.

Each broadcast was an energetic was a mix of song, dance and comedy with guest stars galore–not to mention a fabulous array of Bob Mackie gowns!

The specials, originally broadcast on NBC and CBS were...

* The Kraft Music Hall:The Mitzi Gaynor Christmas Show (1967)

* Mitzi (1968)

* Mitzi's 2nd Special (1969)

* Mitzi: The First Time (1973)

* Mitzi: A Tribute to the American Housewife (1974)

* Mitzi...and a Hundred Guys (1975)

* Mitzi...Roarin' In the 20's (1976)

* Mitzi...Zings Into Spring (1977)

▪ Mitzi...What's Hot, What's Not (1978)

Mitzi also recorded two albums for the Verve label and soon became a top attraction in Las Vegas showrooms and Vancouver nightclubs.

Last November MITZI GAYOR: RAZZLE DAZZLE a new documentary celebrating Miss Gaynor's TV specials was broadcast on PBS and released on DVD, including some of the best showstopping moments from the rarely seen shows.

Gaynor is currently touring with her one-woman show, Razzle Dazzle: My Life Behind the Sequins. You can visit Mitzi here.