Los Angeles: Renowned English actress Glynis Johns, celebrated for her memorable portrayal of the spirited suffragette mother Mrs. Banks in the timeless film ‘Mary Poppins,’ breathed her last on Thursday at a Los Angeles assisted living home, as confirmed by her manager, Mitch Clem. She was 100 years old.
In a heartfelt statement, Clem reflected, “Glynis navigated life with intelligence, wit, and a profound love for performance, impacting millions of lives.” Describing her impact on the industry, Clem continued, “She set a high bar on how to navigate this industry with grace, class, and authenticity. Today, Hollywood mourns not only the loss of Glynis but also the conclusion of the golden age of Hollywood.”
Glynis Johns, a Tony Award winner for her role as Desiree Armfeldt in the original Broadway production of Stephen Sondheim’s ‘A Little Night Music,’ is credited with introducing the iconic song ‘Send in the Clowns,’ penned specifically for her by Sondheim. Additionally, she received an Oscar nomination for her supporting role in the 1960s film ‘The Sundowners.’
Known for her delightful husky voice, buoyant persona, and charming flirtatiousness in her youth, Johns, with over two decades of acting in England, made a lasting mark when cast in Disney’s adaptation of P.L. Travers’ ‘Mary Poppins’ novels.
In an interesting twist, Johns initially believed she had secured the role of Mary Poppins, only to discover she would be portraying Mrs. Banks. Walt Disney, to ease the news, tasked the Sherman Brothers, his legendary musical team, with creating a significant number for the character. This resulted in the empowering ‘Sister Suffragette,’ performed by Johns in the final film.
While having a prolific career in English films, Johns also made notable appearances in American productions, including the 1994 film ‘The Ref,’ where she played the mother of Kevin Spacey’s character, showcasing her enduring talent and versatility.
