British actor Glynis Johns died on Thursday, January 4, in Los Angeles.
She was 100. She was best known for her role as a suffragette mother, Winifred Banks, in the film titled ‘Mary Poppins’. Glynis Johns’ manager, Mitch Clem, confirmed the news of her death in a statement and called it a ‘sombre day for Hollywood’.
GLYNIS JOHNS DIES AT 100 IN LOS ANGELES
‘Mary Poppins” actor Glynis Johns died on January 4. She is survived by her grandson, Thomas Forwood, and three great-grandchildren. According to the BBC, she will be buried next to her father, actor Mervyn Johns, in the United Kingdom.
Confirming the news of her death, her manager Mitch Clem called it a ‘sombre day for Hollywood. He further said, “Her light shined very brightly for 100 years. Glynis powered her way through life with intelligence, wit, and a love for performance, affecting millions of lives. Today is a sombre 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.”
Mitch Clem was her manager for 25 years.
ALL ABOUT GLYNIS JOHNS
Glynis Johns was a popular actor whose career spanned over 60 years. She bagged a Tony Award in 1973 after she essayed the role of Desiree Armfeldt in Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway musical titled ‘A Little Night Music. She sang ‘Send In The Clowns’ in the project. Reportedly, Sondheim wrote the song for Johns. But, when it was made into a film in 1977, she lost her role to Elizabeth Taylor.
Johns was born on October 5, 1923, in South Africa. Her Welsh actor parents were performing there. Her breakthrough came in 1948 when she played the mermaid Miranda. She was also nominated at the Oscars for Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘The Sundowners’ in 1960.
Apart from her frequent television appearances, she appeared in ‘Batman’ and ‘Glynis’. Some of her last few projects include ‘While You Were Sleeping’ and ‘Superstar’.
After her retirement, Glynis Johns spent her final years at a home in Hollywood, where she died peacefully.