Glynis Johns, Known As Mrs. Banks in ‘Mary Poppins,’ Dies At 100

• Glynis Johns is dead at the age of 100.
• She was best known as Mrs. Banks in ‘Mary Poppins.’
• She passed away at an assisted living facility this week.

 

It has been reported that Glynis Johns, who was best known for her role as Mrs. Banks in the original Mary Poppins, has died at the age of 100.

Residing in West Hollywood, Johns passed away of natural causes on Thursday at an assisted living facility, as confirmed by her manager, Mitch Clem, to The Hollywood Reporter.

Remembering Glynis Johns

Johns’ diverse talents spanned acting, dancing, piano, and singing. She was notably recognized with an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Mrs. Firth, a widowed owner of a saloon and hotel, in the Fred Zinnemann-directed movie set in Australia, The Sundowners, released in 1960.

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Additionally, she is renowned for her rendition of “Send in the Clowns,” a song Stephen Sondheim specifically composed for her, showcased in her Tony Award-winning role as Desiree Armfeldt in the 1973 debut of A Little Night Music. Known for her distinctive husky voice, Johns earned a Golden Globe nomination for her role as a whimsical, mature socialite captivated by a young man she encounters on the beach in the provocative 1962 film about sexuality, The Chapman Report.

The following year, she took the lead in her own CBS sitcom, Glynis, portraying a mystery writer who doubles as an amateur detective. Later, she appeared as Lady Penelope Peasoup, alongside Rudy Vallee’s Lord Marmaduke Ffogg, in the final season of ABC’s Batman.

Walt Disney, charmed by Johns’ effervescent screen presence, cast her as Mrs. Banks in the 1964 classic Mary Poppins. In this role, she needed a nanny, played by Julie Andrews, for her two children and notably performed the song “Sister Suffragette.”

Johns, who has been married four times, shares a son, the late actor Gareth Forwood, with her former spouse, Anthony Forwood. In an interview with WABC entertainment reporter George Pennacchio in October 2023, when questioned about her feelings on turning 100, Johns responded, “It doesn’t make any difference to me. I’ve looked good at every age.”