Glynis Johns, renowned for her role as Mrs. Banks in the 1964 Disney classic “Mary Poppins,” has passed away, as confirmed by TMZ. The esteemed British actress died of natural causes at an assisted living home in Los Angeles, her manager Mitch Clem disclosed on Thursday. He also noted that she will be laid to rest beside her father in the UK.
Mitch Clem commemorated Glynis with a heartfelt tribute, stating, “Glynis powered her way through life with intelligence, wit, and a love for performance, affecting millions of lives. She entered my life early in my career and set a very high bar on how to navigate this industry with grace, class, and truth. Your own truth. Her light shined very brightly for 100 years.”
Glynis Johns (5 October 1923 – 4 January 2024) R.I.P pic.twitter.com/rOGsa2nVdv
— ??? Classic British TV ??? (@Classicbritcom) January 5, 2024
He continued to reflect on her remarkable character, “She had a wit that could stop you in your tracks powered by a heart that loved deeply and purely. Today is a somber day for Hollywood. Not only do we mourn the passing of our dear Glynis, but we mourn the end of the golden age of Hollywood.”
Born in South Africa and later settling in England, Glynis Johns embarked on a prolific acting career spanning 20 years before landing her iconic role in “Mary Poppins.” Her career, which stretched over eight decades, was marked by numerous accolades and memorable performances. She won a Tony for her portrayal of Desiree Armfeldt in the original Broadway production of Stephen Sondheim’s “A Little Night Music,” where she performed the specially written “Send in the Clowns” for her.
RIP Glynis Johns, 1923-2024 pic.twitter.com/4H9pp34A3z
— Old Hollywood (@TheOldHollywood) January 4, 2024
Her performance in the 1960 film “The Sundowners” garnered her an Oscar nomination, one of the many highlights in a career that included over 60 films such as “While You Were Sleeping.” Johns also made notable appearances on television, featuring in series like “Murder, She Wrote,” “Cheers,” and “The Love Boat,” with her final onscreen role in 1999’s “Superstar” as Grandma.
Glynis celebrated her centennial in October, humorously remarking that she didn’t feel any different after reaching the milestone and proudly stating she looked good for every age. Her passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of artistic brilliance and a profound impact on the entertainment industry.
