What happened to Glynis Johns?

The acclaimed actress Glynis Johns, renowned for her portrayal of Mrs. Banks in the 1964 film “Mary Poppins,” has passed away at the age of 100.

Born in South Africa, the British actress breathed her last on Thursday at an assisted living home in Los Angeles, succumbing to natural causes, according to her manager, Mitch Clem. Reflecting on her passing, Clem remarked, “Today’s a sad day for Hollywood. She is the last of the last of old Hollywood.”

Glynis Johns gained widespread recognition for her role as suffragette Mrs. Winifred Banks in “Mary Poppins,” a character who undergoes a transformative journey with the help of Julie Andrews’ enchanting nanny. Her memorable performance in the classic film included the spirited rendition of the empowering song “Sister Suffragette.” Clad in a blue dress, white gloves, a straw hat, and a ‘Votes for Women’ sash, Johns passionately sang, “We’re clearly soldiers in petticoats and dauntless crusaders for women’s votes.”

“Mary Poppins” garnered five Oscars out of its 13 nominations, solidifying its status as one of Walt Disney’s enduringly beloved movies.

Throughout her illustrious career spanning decades, Glynis Johns was known for her versatility and dedication to her craft. Described as a perfectionist, she embraced multi-faceted roles with a commitment to authenticity. In a 1990 statement, she expressed, “As far as I’m concerned, I’m not interested in playing the role on only one level. The whole point of first-class acting is to make a reality of it. To be real. And I have to make sense of it in my own mind in order to be real.”

Glynis Johns leaves behind a legacy marked by her significant contributions to the world of cinema, particularly in the timeless and cherished “Mary Poppins.”