Gaynor Rowlands was a popular British stage star who died tragically young
She was born on April 3, 1883 in London, England. Her parents were both from Wales, Gaynor started her career as a ballet dancer at the Empire Theatre in London. At the age of seventeen she joined the chorus line of George Edwardes’ Gaiety Theatre. Then she toured India as a "Gaiety Girl" dancer. In 1903 she returned to the Gaiety Theatre to appear in The Toreador. The red-headed beauty quickly became one of the most popular musical comedy stars in England. Gaynor starred in numerous shows including The Orchid, The Spring Chicken, and My Lady Molly. She was known for her charming singing voice and her sparkling smile.
Her nickname was "The Nightingale of Wales". While on vacation in France she met novelist Gilbert Frankau. The two spent a lot of time together but always claimed their relationship was platonic. During the Summer of 1906 she suffered an appendicitis and had to have an operation. Unfortunately there were complications and her health quickly deteriorated. Tragically on July 18, 1906 she died from heart failure. Gaynor was only twenty-three years old. She was buried at
East Finchley Cemetery and Crematorium
East Finchley, England.
