The celebrated British actress Glynis Johns, known for her iconic role as suffragette mother Winifred Banks in Disney’s Mary Poppins, has passed away at the age of 100 in Los Angeles, according to her manager. Johns had a wide-ranging career that spanned more than six decades, appearing in numerous films whilst also establishing herself as a highly accomplished performer in the theatre.
Johns’ death has been described as a “sombre day for Hollywood,” with her long-time manager Mitch Clem stating that her “light shined very brightly for 100 years.” Clem paid tribute to Johns’ intelligence, wit, and love for performance, noting that she had affected millions of lives throughout her career.
In addition to her celebrated role in Mary Poppins, Johns also won a Tony Award for her performance in Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway musical A Little Night Music in 1973. She sang the iconic song “Send In The Clowns,” which Sondheim wrote specifically for her to perform. However, she lost the part to Elizabeth Taylor in the 1977 film adaptation of the musical.
Born into a showbusiness family, Johns kickstarted her career in acting in 1948, when she played the titular character of Miranda in a comedy. She went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for her supporting role in the movie The Sundowners. Johns frequently made television appearances, including in Batman, and led her own sitcom Glynis on US television in 1963. Despite retiring to the United States, she passed away peacefully while residing in an assisted living home in Hollywood.
Johns’ performances have earned her numerous fans, with former Labour MP Chris Bryant recently calling for her knighthood ahead of her 100th birthday in October. Bryant lamented Johns’ passing on Twitter, stating: “So sad. One of the great British actors who should have been given a damehood.” The actress is survived by her grandson Thomas Forwood, based in Paris, and her three great-grandchildren. She will be laid to rest next to her father in the UK
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