Mary Poppins icon Glynis Johns dies aged 100-Kitty Chrisp-Entertainment – Metro

Her career spanned eight decades (Picture: REX)

Glynis Johns, who played Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins, has died aged 100.

Johns, who lived in West Hollywood, died Thursday of natural causes at an assisted living facility in the area, her manager Mitch Clem has confirmed.

‘My heart is heavy today with the passing of my beloved client Glynis Johns,’ Mitch said.

‘Glynis powered her way through life with intelligence, wit, and a love for performance, affecting millions of lives.

‘She entered my life early in my career and set a very high bar on how to navigate this industry with grace, class, and truth. Your own truth.

‘Her light shined very brightly for 100 years.

Johns starred as Mrs Banks in Mary Poppins (Picture: AP)

Johns in Mary Poppins (middle) (Picture: Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock)

‘She had a wit that could stop you in your tracks powered by a heart that loved deeply and purely.

‘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 was born to Welsh parents on October 5, 1923, in Pretoria, South Africa while her mother – who was a concert pianist – was on tour there.

A talented dancer, Johns is said to have made history when she received a degree to teach dance by age 10.

Johns was known for her wit and warmth (Picture: Keystone Pictures USA/Shuttersto)

‘Her light shined very brightly for 100 years’ (Picture: Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock)

The Oscar-winning actor, pianist, dancer, and singer was a natural leading lady with a career spanning eight decades.

Johns was the first star to sing Stephen Sondheim’s track Send in the Clowns, which was written with her silky, husky voice in mind – and for it, Johns was awarded a Tony.

In the 1964 musical film Mary Poppins, Johns’ character Mrs Banks was memorable for her rousing Sister Suffragette performance.

She was also Oscar-nominated for her supporting role in 1960’s The Sundowners.

However, in the glitzy lights of Hollywood Johns never forgot her roots, having delighted in starring in Wales-based film Under Milk Wood alongside Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

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