(RepublicanJournal.org) – Glynis Johns, best known for her roles in Disney’s “Mary Poppins” and Broadway’s “A Little Night Music,” has passed away. The 100-year-old actress had been residing in a Los Angeles assisted living home and died of natural causes. Her manager, Mitch Clem, confirmed the sad news.
Johns had an acting career that spanned over 60 years, but the talented Hollywood and Broadway star was born with performance in her blood. Her father was Welsh actor Mervyn Johns, made famous by his performance of Ebenezer Scrooge in the 1951 film release of “A Christmas Carol.” Her mother was Australian concert pianist Alice Maude Steele-Wareham Johns, more widely known as Alyse Steele-Payne. News Sky reports that the couple was touring in South Africa when the pianist gave birth to the fourth-generation entertainer.
Glynis Johns’ most notable role, the fiery suffragette Mrs. Banks in “Mary Poppins,” may have gained her notoriety, but the actress’ greatest passion was the stage. The New York Times writes that she was 49 when she landed the role of Desiree Armfeldt in the Broadway production of “A Little Night Music.”
She won a Tony in 1973 for her performance of the musical’s iconic number, “Send in the Clowns,” which composer Stephen Sondheim had written specifically for her voice. She stated during her acceptance speech that the show’s company had returned her sense of joy in the theater. She also thanked Sondheim for writing the music she loved so much to sing. Despite her adoration for the role, when Hollywood produced the film adaptation in 1977, the part ended up going to Elizabeth Taylor.
IMBd lists 91 acting credits under Johns’ belt, with her final role being the firecracker grandmother in “Superstar,” starring Molly Shannon and Will Ferrell.
Johns had one son, Gareth Forwood, but he died of a heart attack in 2007. The actress leaves behind one grandson and three great-grandchildren.
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