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.

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