Who was Glynis Johns? Actress Who Played Mrs Banks in ‘Mary Poppins’ Dead at 100

Glynis Johns, a distinguished British actress known for her roles in the late 1940s as the enchanting mermaid Miranda, the singing suffragist in Disney’s “Mary Poppins,” and a Tony Award-winning performance in the musical “A Little Night Music,” where she introduced Stephen Sondheim’s classic “Send in the Clowns,” passed away on January 4 at a Los Angeles assisted living home. She was 100 years old.

Her manager, Mitch Clem, confirmed her death, although a specific cause was not disclosed.

Coming from a family deeply rooted in show business, Johns, representing the fourth generation, emerged as a star with her distinctive china-blue eyes, athletic prowess, and a voice described as “like honey over graham crackers.” Born while her parents were touring in South Africa with a musical revue, she settled in England where she dedicated herself to ballet, earning a teaching certificate by the age of 10.

Initially recognized for juvenile roles on screen, Johns achieved breakthrough success with “Miranda” (1948), portraying a flirtatious mermaid whose blonde hair strategically covered her fishtailed lower body. The film, a comic fantasy with a daring heroine, became a commercial hit. She reprised the role in the 1954 sequel, “Mad About Men,” and continued to accumulate credits in various films, often standing out for her spirited performances.

In Hollywood, Johns showcased her versatility, playing roles ranging from a comely maiden in “The Court Jester” (1956), a medieval musical comedy starring Danny Kaye, to earning an Academy Award nomination for her supporting role as an earthy innkeeper in “The Sundowners” (1960), a drama set in the Australian outback alongside Robert Mitchum and Deborah Kerr.

By the early 1960s, Johns transitioned into a diverse career as a character actress, leaving behind the pressures of being a leading lady. Despite four marriages, she embraced her offbeat charm and enriched numerous productions with her talent.

Glynis Johns leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment, celebrated for her contributions on both stage and screen.