Who Was Glynis Johns? Mary Poppins Star Dies Aged 100

Glynis Johns, a Welsh actress, singer, and dancer with a career spanning over eight decades, died at the age of 100. She was most widely known for her role as a suffragette mother Winifred Banks, the mother of the children in the 1964 Disney musical Mary Poppins. 

The veteran actor of Hollywood died at her assisting living space in Los Angeles yesterday, as pe her long-time manager announcement. 

Mary Poppins Star Glynis Johns Dies At 100:

Born in South Africa to Welsh parents, Johns began her career on stage in the United Kingdom in the 1930s. She appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout her career, but it was her performance in Mary Poppins that truly cemented her place in Hollywood history.

Johns's portrayal of the loving but distracted suffragette mother earned her critical acclaim and a Laurel Award for Best Supporting Actress. She also delivered a memorable performance of the song "Sister Suffragette" in the film which went on to win five Oscars.

In addition to her work in film, Johns was also an accomplished stage actor. She won a Tony Award in 1973 for her performance in the Stephen Sondheim musical A Little Night Music. She continued to work in theatre and film until her retirement in the early 2000s and appeared in more than 60 films and 30 plays throughout her career. 

Her manager of 25 years, Mitch Cleim while announcing her death stated it is a "sombre day" for Hollywood as he said, "Not only do we mourn the passing of our dear Glynis but we mourn the end of the golden age of Hollywood."

The actor died due to natural causes of death peacefully in her bed while living in Los Angeles on January 4 and is survived by a grandson and three great-grandchildren, it is known she was married four times and only had one son. She is reported to be buried next to her actor father Mervyn Johns in the UK.

Johns's big performance was in 1948 as the mermaid Miranda making her a big comedy star in the UK and was nominated for best supporting actor at the Academy Awards in 1960 for the film The Sundowners. 

Jhons also made frequent TV appearances including in the show Batman and started her own sitcom Glynis in 1963 on UD Television. She last appeared in the 1999 film Superstar before she took her retirement in the early 2000s. 

Johns will be remembered for her talented and versatile acting and husky-voiced singing that brought joy to many around the world and will always remembered as an exemplar of the woman ahead of her time who unapologetically made her choices throughout her life.