Tim White
Jan 05, 2024 - 08:10

Glynis Johns, Mary Poppins star dies at age 100

Tony-winning stage and screen star Glynis Johns, who played the mother in Mary Poppins, has died at 100. Her manager confirmed.

Glynis Johns, a celebrated stage and screen star who won a Tony Award and is best known for her role as the mother in the classic movie Mary Poppins opposite Julie Andrews and for introducing the iconic song Send in the Clowns by Stephen Sondheim, has passed away at the age of 100.

Her manager, Mitch Clem, confirmed that she died of natural causes at an assisted living home in Los Angeles. Her death marks the end of an era for old Hollywood.

Johns was renowned for her dedication to her craft and was known as a perfectionist, with a precise, analytical, and opinionated approach to her roles. She believed in portraying multi-faceted characters and was committed to delivering performances that were layered and real.

One of her greatest achievements was her portrayal of Desiree Armfeldt in A Little Night Music, for which she won a Tony Award in 1973. Sondheim wrote the show's hit song, Send in the Clowns, specifically for her distinctive husky voice, making it one of the greatest gifts she received in the theater.

Johns' contribution to the song has left a lasting impact, with other notable artists like Frank Sinatra, Judy Collins, Barbra Streisand, Sarah Vaughan, and Olivia Newton-John covering it. The song was even featured in the television series Yellowjackets in 2023, sung by Elijah Wood.

Born into an English theatrical family, Johns began her career as a dancer and actor in London's West End at a young age. She made her breakthrough as the amorous mermaid in the hit comedy Miranda in 1948, and her talent and versatility led to a successful career in both film and theater.

Throughout her life, Johns lived and worked all over the world, and her personal life often took precedence over her career. She was married four times, with her first husband being the father of her only child, Gareth Forwood, who was an actor and passed away in 2007.

Her legacy as a versatile and talented performer will be remembered by audiences and the entertainment industry for years to come. Glynis Johns' impact on the world of entertainment is immeasurable, and her contributions to film and theater will continue to be celebrated and cherished.