Actress Elizabeth McGovern Jokes About Ava Gardner’s Famous Quip on Frank Sinatra

Elizabeth McGovern, currently portraying Hollywood icon Ava Gardner in the off-Broadway production “Ava: The Secret Conversations”, recently addressed the legendary actress’s provocative remark about Frank Sinatra. Gardner allegedly once quipped that Sinatra, despite weighing only 110 pounds, had a certain notable attribute, a quote that has persisted in pop culture for decades.

During a press event, McGovern stated with a laugh, “I can’t personally confirm that, but I choose to believe it. It’s a memorable quote.”

The play is based on Gardner’s interviews with Peter Evans, who authored the book inspiring it. Gardner, renowned for her beauty and roles in films like “The Killers” and “The Barefoot Contessa”, was married to Sinatra from 1951 until 1957. Their relationship was often tumultuous, and Gardner’s life was filled with notable marriages to Mickey Rooney and Artie Shaw, along with a romantic involvement with Howard Hughes.

Initially, the detailed interviews from Gardner’s private conversations remained unpublished but have since been released and serve as material for the current production. McGovern shared her fascination with Gardner’s life, noting that she was initially drawn to Gardner’s striking beauty, but was captivated by her wit, intelligence, and authenticity upon exploring her films and personal history.

McGovern reflected on Gardner’s significance, emphasizing her resilience as a pioneering movie star who remains relevant today. She described working on the play as “a delightful bit of research,” appreciating the depth of Gardner’s character behind her glamorous exterior.

In addition to the stage portrayal, McGovern will appear later this year in the third installment of the “Downton Abbey” film series. She assured fans it will be the final movie in the franchise, noting the cast’s readiness to move on to new projects after many emotional farewells.