How did Glynis Johns die?

Glynis Johns, the acclaimed stage and screen actress who earned a Tony Award and achieved cinematic fame as Julie Andrews’ on-screen mother in the timeless movie “Mary Poppins,” has passed away at the age of 100.

Her manager, Mitch Clem, confirmed her demise, stating that she died on Thursday at an assisted living facility in Los Angeles due to natural causes. Clem expressed, “Today’s a sad day for Hollywood. She is the last of the last of old Hollywood.”

Known for her meticulous and perfectionist approach to her craft, Johns was a precise, analytical, and opinionated performer. She demanded multi-faceted roles, always striving to deliver more than the expected.

One of Johns’ most significant achievements was her portrayal of Desiree Armfeldt in “A Little Night Music,” a role that earned her a Tony Award in 1973. Notably, Stephen Sondheim crafted the show’s hit song “Send in the Clowns” to complement her distinctive husky voice. Although she lost the part in the 1977 film adaptation to Elizabeth Taylor, Johns cherished the experience, stating, “It’s the greatest gift I’ve ever been given in the theater.”

The iconic song, “Send in the Clowns,” became a classic and was later performed by various artists, including Frank Sinatra, Judy Collins, Barbra Streisand, Sarah Vaughan, and Olivia Newton-John. In 2023, Elijah Wood sang it in the second season of “Yellowjackets.”

Reflecting on the creation of “A Little Night Music,” Johns shared a moment of improvisation with co-star Len Cariou during the rehearsal, catching the attention of director Hal Prince and prompting a call to Stephen Sondheim. She recalled, “Hal got on the phone to Steve Sondheim and said, ‘I think you’d better get in a cab and get round here and watch what they’re doing because you are going to get the idea for Glynis’ solo.’”

Glynis Johns, a fourth-generation member of an English theatrical family, leaves behind a legacy marked by her exceptional talent and contributions to both stage and screen.