Mary Poppins actress Glynis Johns dies aged 100

British actress Glynis Johns, famous for portraying Winifred Banks in the 1964 Disney musical Mary Poppins, has passed away at the age of 100.

The British actress is widely known for playing Winifred Banks in the 1964 Disney musical Mary Poppins .

The esteemed British actress, whose career spanned over six decades, passed away in Los Angeles on Thursday, as confirmed by her manager.

She graced numerous films and showcased her talent in theatre, leaving an indelible mark on both mediums.

Her manager, Mitch Clem, expressed that her departure marked a solemn moment in Hollywood. Johns notably starred alongside Dame Julie Andrews in the iconic 1964 Disney musical, Mary Poppins, which secured five Oscars.

For 25 years, Mr. Clem managed her career, noting her brilliance throughout a century of life. He paid tribute, emphasizing how Glynis Johns’ intelligence, wit, and passion for performance touched millions of lives.

He mourned not just the loss of Johns but also reflected on the passing of an era, terming it the end of Hollywood’s golden age.

Her accomplishments included winning a Tony Award in 1973 for her portrayal of Desiree Armfeldt in Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway musical, A Little Night Music, where she delivered a memorable rendition of “Send In The Clowns.”

Although Sondheim crafted the song specifically for Johns, she ultimately didn’t retain the part in the 1977 film adaptation, which went to Elizabeth Taylor.

Reflecting on her career, Johns mentioned to AP news agency, “I always said that Send In The Clowns was the best gift I was ever given.” On her 100th birthday in October, during an interview with ABC News, she reminisced, “I got applause for that. I loved doing it. I felt it.”

Born into a showbusiness family, Johns entered the world on October 5, 1923, in South Africa while her Welsh actor parents were on tour. Her breakthrough on the big screen came in 1948 when she portrayed the mermaid Miranda, a role that catapulted her to stardom in the UK.

In 1960, she earned an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress for her performance in “The Sundowners.” Alongside her film career, she made regular television appearances, notably in “Batman” and headlined her sitcom “Glynis” in the US in 1963.

Her final acting credits included the 1995 film “While You Were Sleeping” featuring Sandra Bullock and the 1999 film “Superstar” starring Molly Shannon and Will Ferrell. Retiring to the US, she spent her last days in a Hollywood assisted living facility where she peacefully passed away, as confirmed by her manager to BBC News.

Prior to her 100th birthday in October, Labour MP Chris Bryant advocated for her to receive damehood, expressing his disappointment at her passing, tweeting, “So sad. One of the great British actors who should have been given a damehood.”

She is survived by her grandson Thomas Forwood, residing in Paris, and three great-grandchildren. Her resting place will be alongside her father, actor Mervyn Johns, in the UK.

The entertainment industry mourns the loss of a true legend. Glynis Johns, best known for her role as the mischievous suffragette mother in the beloved film ‘Mary Poppins,’ has passed away at the remarkable age of 100. Her portrayal of Mrs. Banks captivated audiences around the world, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of both young and old. Apart from her iconic performance in ‘Mary Poppins,’ Johns had an illustrious career on both stage and screen, showcasing her remarkable versatility as an actress. Her remarkable talent and passion for her craft will continue to inspire generations to come. Glynis Johns will always be remembered for her timeless contributions to the world of entertainment, and her legacy will live on through the countless lives she has touched.