Glynis Johns dies at 100

Manager confirms death of Mary Poppins star

by Amber Wilkinson

Glynis Johns in Mary Poppins
Glynis Johns in Mary Poppins Photo: The Walt Disney Company/Buena Vista

Veteran star Glynis Johns, whose vast acting career included roles in everything from The Court Jester to Mary Poppins, has died at the age of 100.

Her manager Mitch Clem said in a statement that she had passed away in Los Angeles.

He said: "My heart is heavy today with the passing of my beloved client Glynis Johns. 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.

"She had a wit that could stop you in your tracks powered by a heart that loved deeply and purely.

"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."

Johns, who played the feminist Mrs Banks in Mary Poppins, was a Tony Award winner, for her role in A Little Night Music on Broadway. Stephen Sondheim wrote Send In The Clowns specifically for the South African-born Welsh star.

Other notable roles included alongside Danny Kaye in The Court Jester and as a mermaid in Miranda. She began acting at the age of 12 and, alongside her stage and film roles she also appeared frequently on television, including starring in her own sitcom, Glynis.

She continued acting into the Nineties and is survived by her grandson and three great-grandchildren. The BBC reports she will be buried next to her actor father Mervyn Johns.

Share this with others on...
News

A compulsion for cinema Thomas Bond on the secret of being a producer, the value of flaws, and Imposters

Streaming spotlight: off with their heads! Hold onto your noggin as we reflect on characters who have lost theirs entirely

'This has to be the beginning of a conversation' Peter Brunner, Caleb Landry Jones and other cast members on the social impact of Down The Arm Of God

The image of desire Adrian Chiarella on confronting re-emerging homophobia with Leviticus

When a filmmaker turns 'sculptor' Mission director Paul Wright on his 'psychic punk exploration' with George MacKay

More news and features

We're bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the Venice Film Festival.



We're looking forward to the Toronto International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, San Sebastian and Beyond Fest.



We've recently brought you coverage of Frightfest, the Edinburgh International Film Festival, the Locarno Film Festival, the Fantasia International Film Festival, the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, the Muslim International Film Festival and Docs Ireland.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


LFF Full programme announced


Venice Giornate degli Autori awards announce


Festival Scope Venice Sala Web offers chance to stream shorts for free


San Sebastian Naomi Watts to receive Donostia Award


Sarajevo announces winners