Mary Poppins Actor Glynis Johns Has Died Aged 100

Her filmography includes over 60 films and her stage career boasted more than 30 plays. 

Johns was celebrated with numerous awards and nominations, including a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award. 

She was also nominated for prestigious accolades such as an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Laurence Olivier Award. 

Prior to her passing in 2024, she was among the few remaining iconic figures from the Golden Age of Hollywood and the classical era of British cinema.

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Glynis Johns, renowned for her role as Mrs. Banks in "Mary Poppins" and her memorable performance of 'Send in the Clowns', passed away peacefully at her home in Los Angeles, as confirmed by her manager. 

The cause of her passing has not been disclosed.

Her manager, Mitch Clem, reflected on her passing, stating to the PA news agency, 

"Today marks a somber day for Hollywood. Glynis navigated her life and career with remarkable intelligence, wit, and a profound love for performing."

"She touched countless lives. I was fortunate to have her influence my career from its early stages, setting a standard for navigating the industry with grace, class, and authenticity."

"Her wit, coupled with a deeply loving heart, made her a shining light in the industry for a century."

Credit: Paramount Pictures/De Carvalho Collection

Johns, who celebrated her 100th birthday in October, was one of the last major stars from the golden age of Hollywood. 

Clem added, "We not only mourn Glynis's passing but also the end of the Golden Age of Hollywood."

Renowned for her role in the 1964 classic film "Mary Poppins," Johns also achieved critical acclaim on stage, particularly for her rendition of 'Send in the Clowns' in the 1973 musical "A Little Night Music." 

This performance earned her a Tony and Drama Desk Award. 

In 1991 she returned to the show playing Madame Armfeldt, the mother of her original character.

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She told the Los Angeles Times at the time: "I’m not going to play Peter Pan again. I’m happy to get on to another role."

"There’s no point in acting at my age unless I’m going to feel that I’m stretching – or unless [I were] getting a million bucks a day."

Johns, born in South Africa in 1923 to actor Melvyn Johns and concert pianist Alyce Steele-Wareham, debuted on stage at just three weeks old. 

Raised in the UK, she displayed an early talent for ballet, teaching it by age ten. 

Throughout her career, spanning eight decades with 60 films and over 30 plays, she was known for her meticulous approach to her craft. 

Credit: Wikipedia

She believed in multi-dimensional character portrayal.

"As far as I’m concerned, I’m not interested in playing the role on only one level."

"The whole point of first-class acting is to make a reality of it. To be real."

"And I have to make sense of it in my own mind in order to be real."