Renowned British actress, Glynis Johns, celebrated for her versatile and remarkable career, died at the age of 100 in Los Angeles, California on Thursday, January 4, 2024.
Johns began her career at the age of five as a dancer, showing signs of prodigious talent. She later developed into a versatile actress, making her mark in the film, television, and stage industries.
Johns was born in 1923 in Pretoria, South Africa while her British family was on an entertainment tour. She started her acting career at 12, sharing the stage with Laurence Olivier. Her West End debut in London was at the age of eight in 1931, which set the stage for her successful career spanning over eight decades.
Perhaps her most remembered role was in the 1964 Disney classic, “Mary Poppins,” where she played the suffragette Mrs. Winifred Banks alongside Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. Her performance, particularly in the song “Sister Suffragette,” is still fondly remembered by audiences.
Johns also made a name for herself on Broadway, debuting in the play “Gertie” in 1952. Her most renowned stage performance was as Desiree Armfeldt in the 1973 Stephen Sondheim musical “A Little Night Music.” Her rendition of “Send in the Clowns” won her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
With over 50 films and 30 television series to her credit, Johns’ filmography is vast. She received an Oscar nomination for her supporting role in the 1960 film “The Sundowners.” Her television career featured her in the CBS sitcom “Glynis” in 1963 and guest appearances in shows such as “Cheers,” “The Love Boat,” and “Murder, She Wrote.” Her unique voice and diverse performances made her a cherished figure in the entertainment industry.
Johns, despite her success, battled stage fright throughout her career. She was known for her exacting standards and commitment to her profession. In a 1990 interview, she stressed the significance of realism in acting.
In her personal life, Johns was married four times and had one son, Gareth Forwood, also an actor, who died before her in 2007. Her marriages were to David Foster, Cecil Henderson, Anthony Forwood, and Elliott Arnold, all of whom she outlived.
The death of Johns marks the conclusion of a chapter in film history. Known as “the last of the last of old Hollywood,” her contributions to film, television, and theatre have made a permanent impact on the entertainment world. Her legacy as an actress who instilled depth, charisma, and a dash of defiance in every role continues to inspire new generations of actors.