GLYNIS Johns, the iconic actress who first sang Stephen Sondheim’s Send in the Clowns, has died at age 100, her publicist confirmed.
Johns’ manager, Mitch Clem, said the Mary Poppins actress, who played Mrs. Winifred Banks in the hit 1964 film, died of natural causes Thursday at an assisted living home in Los Angeles, California.
“Today’s a sad day for Hollywood,” Clem said.
“She is the last of the last of old Hollywood.”
Fans are taking to social media to remember the legend for her performance in Mary Poppins as well as her role of Desiree Armfeldt in Sondheim’s A Little Night Music, which saw her sing the iconic song, Send in the Clowns, after the composer wrote it to suit her voice.
“Sondheim wrote Send in the Clowns specifically for her. A true musical theatre ACTOR and a legend. RIP Glynis Johns. The night smiles for you,” one fan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Imagine living to 100 after creating multiple iconic roles and having Sondheim write one of his signature songs for you and your specific voice??” another shared.
“A total legend and true original. We’ll miss you Glynis Johns.”
Read our Glynis Johns death blog for the latest updates…
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Inside Glynis Johns’ love life
She was married four times and had one son, the late actor Gareth Forwood.
The Tony Award-winner outlived all of her ex-husbands, as well as her only child.
She met her first husband Anthony Forwood while rehearsing for Quiet Wedding (1941), where she played the bridesmaid Miranda Bute.
The couple married in 1942 and had their only child, Gareth, in 1945, but divorced three years later due to “adultery.”
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Glynis Johns pictured
Iconic actress Glynis Johns who played in Mary Poppins has died at the age of 100.
Picture of a younger Glynis JohnCredit: Getty -
‘I’ve looked good at every age’
Glynis Johns spoke to KABC-TV, a local ABC affiliate, on her 100th birthday in October.
When asked what it was like to hit triple digits, she replied: “It doesn’t make any difference to me. I’ve looked good at every age.
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Glynis Johns made her mark on Broadway
In addition to her film appearances, Glynis Johns made her mark on the Broadway stage.
She starred in the 1952 play, Gertie and appeared in Major Barbara and The Circle.
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Movie debut at 13
Glynis Johns made her movie debut at the age of 13 in South Riding.
She starred in Peter Pan at 19 years old and worked with her father on the films, The Halfway House, The Magic Box, and The Sundowners.
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Glynis Johns was born in South Africa
Glynis Johns was born on October 5, 1923, in Pretoria, South Africa.
Performing was in her blood as her mother, Alys Steele was a concert pianist and her father was an actor.
Glynis spent her upbringing competing in dance competitions around England. She started teaching ballet at the young age of 10.
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Recruited by Walt Disney
Walt Disney himself recruited Glynis Johns to appear in Mary Poppins in the 1964 film, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
She performed the song, Sister Suffragette as Winifred Banks.
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Glynis Johns’ accolades
Glynis Johns earned an Oscar nomination for her role in The Sundowners in 1960.
She won a Tony Award for her performance in A Little Night Music. Glynis performed Stephen Sondheim’s song, Send in the Clowns in the original production.
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‘Sad day in Hollywood’
Mitch Clem, Glynis Johns’ manager, said that the actress’ death marks a sad day for showbiz.
“Today’s a sad day for Hollywood,” Clem said.
“She is the last of the last of old Hollywood.”
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Glynis Johns’ notable roles
Glynis Johns appeared in numerous notable films, including:
- Mary Poppins (1964)
- Miranda (1948)
- The Court Jester (1995)
- While You Were Sleeping (1995)
- No Highway in the Sky (1951)
- The Sundowners (1960)
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Died of natural causes
Glynis Johns’ manager, Mitch Clem, said the actress died of natural causes Thursday.
She was living at an assisted living home in Los Angeles, California, at the time of her death.
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Glynis Johns dead
Actress and singer Glynis Johns has died at the age of 100.
She is best known for her role in Mary Poppins.
