The legendary Glynis Johns, one of the last icons from Hollywood's golden age, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 4, making her the industry's oldest actress at the time of her departure.
Her representative, Mitch Clem, confirmed the news, expressing admiration for her remarkable career and the profound impact she had on the entertainment world.
Johns had been residing in a nursing home due to her advanced age, requiring constant care. The actress's passing was attributed to natural causes.
Clem shared his reflections on Glynis Johns, praising her intelligence, wit, and love for performance, emphasizing how she influenced countless lives. He described her as a guiding light, setting a high standard for navigating the entertainment industry with grace, class, and authenticity.
Born on October 5, 1923, in Pretoria, South Africa, Glynis Johns rose to fame as a cinematic sex symbol in the 1950s. However, her profile underwent a transformation in 1964 with her role in "Mary Poppins," where she portrayed an empowered mother actively involved in the British suffrage movement. Notably, her song "Sisters Suffragette" in the film became one of the earliest cinematic representations of the fight for gender equality.
In 1973, Glynis Johns took on the role of Desiree Armfeldt in the first Broadway version of Stephen Sondheim's "A Little Night Music," earning a Tony Award and popularizing the song "Send in the Clowns."
Named a Disney Legend in 1998, Johns continued her illustrious career until 1999 when she appeared in the irreverent comedy "Superstar" alongside Molly Shannon, Will Ferrell, and Elaine Hendrix, playing the role of Shannon's grandmother.
Her passing marks the end of an era in Hollywood, symbolizing the conclusion of the golden age. Glynis Johns' legacy lives on through her groundbreaking performances and the indelible mark she left on the entertainment industry. Hollywood mourns the loss of a true icon, remembering her wit, heart, and a century of contributions to the world of film and theater.
