Glynis Johns, the iconic stage and screen actress, sadly passed away in Los Angeles at the remarkable age of 100. Best known for her role as the mother in the beloved film “Mary Poppins,” alongside the legendary Julie Andrews, Johns left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
One of her most notable contributions to the industry was introducing the timeless song “Send in the Clowns” by Stephen Sondheim. Though she didn’t get a chance to perform it in the film version of “A Little Night Music,” losing the role to Elizabeth Taylor, Johns held a deep appreciation for Sondheim’s song written specifically for her.
Throughout her illustrious career, Johns was remembered as a dedicated actress with a penchant for perfection. She fearlessly took on multi-faceted roles and received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Desiree Armfeldt in “A Little Night Music,” for which she won a Tony Award in 1973.
“Send in the Clowns” has since been performed by numerous notable artists, including Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, and Judy Collins, cementing its legacy as a classic piece of music.
Born into an English theatrical family, Johns began her career as a dancer and actress in London’s West End. Her talent soon caught the attention of the film industry, earning her an Oscar nomination for her supporting role in the 1960 film “The Sundowners.”
In addition to her iconic role in “Mary Poppins” and her triumph in “A Little Night Music,” Johns had a diverse career in film, television, and theater. She achieved success with a 1989 Broadway revival of “The Circle” and consistently found herself drawn back to the theater, despite retiring multiple times.
Known for her unwavering dedication to her craft, Johns would go to great lengths to perfect her performances. She even used recordings by renowned playwright Horton Foote as a coaching tool for one of her roles.
Outside of her professional life, Johns lived a well-traveled life and was married four times. Her first husband was the father of her only child.
Glynis Johns will forever be remembered as a true icon of the entertainment industry. Her contributions to film, theater, and music will continue to be celebrated and cherished by audiences around the world.
