Celebrated British actress Glynis Johns, best remembered for her iconic role as the suffragette mother Winifred Banks in the beloved film “Mary Poppins,” has passed away at the age of 100.
Johns’ remarkable career, which spanned over six decades, came to a close in Los Angeles, as confirmed by her long-time manager. The versatile actress shone both on the silver screen and the stage, earning acclaim in numerous films and as a distinguished theatre performer.
Mitch Clem, Johns’ manager for 25 years, expressed profound sorrow at her passing, describing it as a “sombre day for Hollywood.” He reminisced about Johns’ vibrant life, marked by her intelligence, wit, and passionate dedication to the performing arts, touching the lives of millions.
Johns’ performance alongside Dame Julie Andrews in the 1964 Disney classic “Mary Poppins,” which garnered five Oscars, remains a high point in her illustrious career. Clem paid homage to Johns, stating, “Her light shined very brightly for 100 years.”
In addition to her film achievements, Johns was also a Tony Award winner, earning the accolade in 1973 for her role as Desiree Armfeldt in Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway musical “A Little Night Music.” The role was particularly notable as Sondheim composed the song “Send In The Clowns” specifically for Johns, a fact she cherished deeply, as she revealed in an interview with the AP news agency.
Johns’ journey in the entertainment industry began in a showbusiness family, born on 5 October 1923 in South Africa to Welsh parents. She made a splash in her first major film role as the mermaid Miranda in 1948, leading to stardom in the UK. Her talent was further recognized with an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for the 1960 film “The Sundowners.”
Her versatility extended to television, with appearances in shows like “Batman,” and leading her own sitcom “Glynis” on US television in 1963. Johns’ final acting roles were in the 1995 film “While You Were Sleeping” with Sandra Bullock, and the 1999 film “Superstar” starring Molly Shannon and Will Ferrell.
Retiring to the US, Johns spent her final years in an assisted living home in Hollywood. She passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy celebrated by fans and colleagues alike.
Labour MP Chris Bryant, ahead of Johns’ 100th birthday, had advocated for her knighthood. Mourning her loss, he expressed regret that she had not been honored with a damehood.
Survived by her grandson Thomas Forwood, based in Paris, and three great-grandchildren, Johns will be laid to rest next to her father in the UK, leaving behind a rich tapestry of memorable performances and a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.
