Mary Poppins star Glynis Johns dies, aged 100
Glynis Johns, the actress who played Winifred Banks in Disney's 1964 classic Mary Poppins, has died aged 100.
In a statement announcing her death on Thursday (January 4), her manager Mitch Clem said Johns' light had "shined very brightly for 100 years".
He added: "Glynis powered her way through life with intelligence, wit, and a love for performance, affecting millions of lives.
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"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."
Johns won a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award in 1973 for originating the role of Desiree Armfeldt in Stephen Sondheim's Broadway musical A Little Night Music.
The iconic song 'Send In The Clowns' was written especially for her by Sondheim. Speaking about the song to the Associated Press in 1990, Johns said: "I always said that 'Send In The Clowns' was the best gift I was ever given."
Speaking about the song to celebrate her 100th birthday in October 2023, Johns told ABC 7: "I got applause for that. I loved doing it. I felt it."
When asked, 'What does 100 feel like?' Johns answered: "It doesn't make any difference to me."
Johns also starred in 1960 western The Sundowners, for which she earned an Oscar nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Until her death, Johns had been the oldest living Academy Award nominee in any acting category.
On the small screen, Johns starred as villain Lady Penelope Peasoup in four episodes of the Adam West-led Batman series.
She also appeared as the mother of Shelly Long's character Diane Chambers in sitcom Cheers.
Johns' final films were 1995's While You Were Sleeping opposite Sandra Bullock and 1999's Superstar, starring Molly Shannon.
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