Elizabeth McGovern comments humorously on Ava Gardner’s remark about Frank Sinatra’s masculinity.

Ava Gardner is famously quoted as having praised Frank Sinatra’s endowment. She reportedly said, “He’s only 110 pounds, but 10 pounds is C-K!” This comment has circulated for years, often shared among fans and celebrities alike.

The quote has stuck with people, and many, including actress Elizabeth McGovern, choose to believe Gardner made these bold statements about her former husband. McGovern currently stars as Gardner in an off-Broadway production, bringing up the cheeky remark during a recent chat with Page Six.

During the press event, McGovern playfully responded, “I can’t personally vouch for that. But I think I’ll choose to believe it. We all need to select what we want to believe, right?”

At 63, McGovern is portraying the iconic star in “AVA: Secret Conversation,” a piece inspired by interviews conducted by Peter Evans, whose book formed the basis for the production.

In the talk, she embraced the humorous legacy of Gardner’s words. Discussions around Gardner’s past—including her marriages to Mickey Rooney, Artie Shaw, and Sinatra—were initially kept under wraps. However, they’re now part of the narrative in the play, which runs at the New York City Center from July 29 to September 14, and later at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago from September 24 to October 12.

Gardner, whose allure made her a Hollywood staple in films like “The Killers” and “The Barefoot Contessa,” passed away in 1990 at the age of 67. Her tumultuous marriage to Sinatra spanned from 1951 to 1957, a relationship known for its ups and downs.

In her conversation, McGovern described her engagement with Gardner’s life as “a fun study.” She initially grew curious about Gardner after discovering Evan’s candid book, which piqued her interest in the actress’s films.

“Her striking beauty was captivating,” McGovern noted. “But when you see her on screen, you realize how authentic, clever, and ahead of her time she was. Her story resonates today, especially as one of the early major movie stars.”

Alongside the off-Broadway play, McGovern will appear this year in what’s promised to be the final installment of the “Downton Abbey” film series. Reflecting on the experience, she mentioned, “We had our farewells and embraced, but I think we’re all ready for new opportunities.”