Mary Poppins Star Glynis Johns Passes Away at the Age of 100

 

Renowned British actress Glynis Johns, whose illustrious career spanned over six decades, passed away in Los Angeles on Thursday, as confirmed by her manager. With a repertoire spanning numerous films and a distinguished tenure in theatre, Johns left an indelible mark on the entertainment world.

In a heartfelt statement, her manager, Mitch Clem, expressed the solemnity felt in Hollywood over her loss. Reflecting on her brilliance, particularly highlighted by her role opposite Dame Julie Andrews in the 1964 Disney classic ‘Mary Poppins’—a film that clinched five Oscars—Clem noted that Johns’ radiance endured brightly for a century.

“Glynis navigated life with astuteness, wit, and an adoration for performance, touching the lives of millions,” he fondly remarked while paying homage to her legacy. Clem mourned not just the passing of the beloved actress but also mourned what he described as the conclusion of Hollywood’s golden era.

Johns’ talents extended beyond the silver screen, earning her a Tony Award in 1973 for her portrayal of Desiree Armfeldt in Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway sensation, ‘A Little Night Music,’ where she captivated audiences with her rendition of ‘Send In The Clowns.’ Although the song was penned specifically for her by Sondheim, she ceded the role to Elizabeth Taylor in the 1977 cinematic adaptation.

Recalling the experience, Johns expressed her gratitude, describing ‘Send In The Clowns’ as the most treasured gift she had received. “I always said that Send In The Clowns was the best gift I was ever given,” she shared with AP news agency.

In a poignant interview with ABC News on her 100th birthday in October, Johns reminisced, “I got applause for that. I loved doing it. I felt it.” Her impact on stage and screen, as well as her remarkable talent, remain an enduring part of her legacy.

Glynis Johns, born on October 5th, 1923, into a family deeply rooted in show business, kicked off her acting journey in South Africa, where her Welsh actor parents were on stage. Her breakthrough came in 1948, dazzling audiences as the enchanting mermaid Miranda in a comedy, propelling her into stardom in the UK.

Her talent shone further in the 1960 film ‘The Sundowners,’ earning her an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress. Johns’ charm extended beyond the silver screen, gracing television screens in appearances such as ‘Batman’ and headlining her sitcom ‘Glynis’ on American television in 1963.

Her remarkable career stretched until the late ’90s, with memorable roles in movies like ‘While You Were Sleeping’ in 1995 and ‘Superstar’ in 1999. Johns retired in the US, spending her final days in a Hollywood assisted living home, where she peacefully passed away, as confirmed by her manager to BBC News.

Before her upcoming 100th birthday in October, Labour MP Chris Bryant advocated for Johns to receive the honour of damehood. Expressing his sadness at her passing, he tweeted, “So sad. One of the great British actors who should have been given a damehood.”

Remembered fondly, Johns leaves behind her grandson Thomas Forwood, residing in Paris, and three cherished great-grandchildren. She will be laid to rest beside her father, the esteemed actor Mervyn Johns, in the UK.