Glynis Johns, who starred in the original Mary Poppins, has died aged 100.
The British actress was best known for her portrayal of suffragette mother Winifred Banks in the 1964 Disney film, opposite Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, which went on to win five Oscars.
Her impressive career, which spanned more than 60 years, included countless other film and television credits. In 1973, she won a Tony Award for her role as Desirree Armfeldt in the Broadway musical A Little Night Music, in which she sang the iconic song, ‘Send In The Clowns’.
Johns’ manager of 25 years, Mitch Clem, paid tribute to the actress, saying, “Glynis powered her way through life with intelligence, wit, and a love for performance, affecting millions of lives.”
“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.”
On her 100th birthday last October, Johns reflected on her career to ABC, saying ‘Send in The Clowns’ was the “best gift [she] was ever given.”
“I got applause for that. I loved doing it. I felt it.”
On reaching the milestone birthday, she told the outlet, “It doesn’t make any difference to me,” adding: “Well, I looked very good for every age.”
Johns died of natural causes in an assisted living home in Beverly Hills, where she was a longtime resident.
