Renowned for her iconic role as Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins, actress Glynis Johns has peacefully passed away at the age of 100 in Los Angeles, as confirmed by her manager on Thursday.
With a career spanning over six decades, Johns left a lasting impact in both film and theatre.
She played a vital role alongside Julie Andrews in the beloved 1964 Disney musical Mary Poppins, which secured five Oscars.
Mitch Clem, her manager for 25 years, expressed that her passing marked a “sombre day for Hollywood,” describing her as a shining light for a century.
He praised Johns for navigating life with intelligence, wit, and a passion for performance, influencing millions.
Notably, she earned a Tony Award in 1973 for her performance in Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway musical A Little Night Music, where she sang the iconic “Send In The Clowns.”
Sondheim crafted the song specifically for Johns, who considered it the best gift she ever received.
Despite losing the role in the 1977 film adaptation of Elizabeth Taylor, Johns cherished the experience.
Born in South Africa to Welsh actor parents, Johns rose to stardom in the UK with her debut role as the mermaid Miranda in 1948.
Her talent earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in the 1960 film The Sundowners.
Beyond the silver screen, she made notable TV appearances, including Batman, and headlined her own US sitcom, Glynis, in 1963.
Her final acting roles came in 1995’s While You Were Sleeping and 1999’s Superstar.
Retiring to the US, Johns spent her last years in a Hollywood assisted living home, where she peacefully passed away.
Before her 100th birthday, there were calls for her to receive a damehood, acknowledging her outstanding contributions to British acting.
Labour MP Chris Bryant expressed sadness at her passing and highlighted Johns as one of the great British actors deserving of a damehood.
Survived by her grandson Thomas Forwood in Paris and three great-grandchildren, Glynis Johns will be laid to rest alongside her father, actor Mervyn Johns, in the UK.
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