Glynis Johns, the celebrated actress best known to generations as the spirited suffragette Winifred Banks in Disney’s timeless classic Mary Poppins, passed away on Thursday, January 4th, in Los Angeles at the remarkable age of 100. Her manager confirmed that she died of natural causes, marking the end of a long and illustrious career that spanned stage and screen. For Disney enthusiasts and movie lovers worldwide, Glynis Johns Mary Poppins performance remains a cherished highlight of her legacy.
Walt Disney himself recognized Johns’ unique charm and talent, personally casting her in the role that would define her for many. Her portrayal of Winifred Banks in the Academy Award®-winning Mary Poppins (1964) resonated deeply with audiences. Film critic Leonard Maltin aptly noted in The Disney Films how she “lights up the screen the minute she appears,” emphasizing her captivating presence and the enduring appeal of her “amusing suffragette song.” This role cemented Glynis Johns Mary Poppins connection in the hearts of fans globally.
Glynis Johns Disney Legend
Born on October 5, 1923, in Pretoria, South Africa, to Welsh parents, Glynis Johns was inducted as a Disney Legend in 1998, a testament to her significant contribution to the studio’s heritage. Her early life was marked by exceptional talent and dedication to the performing arts. By the age of 10, she had already earned a degree to teach dance, and by 12, she had amassed an impressive 25 gold medals for dance in England. Her foray into film began at 13 with South Riding (1938), showcasing her precocious talent. Johns transitioned to adult roles with Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s 49th Parallel (1941), also known as The Invaders in America, sharing the screen with luminaries like Laurence Olivier. Remarkably, at just 19, she became the youngest actress to embody the lead role in a theatrical production of Peter Pan, demonstrating her versatility and range early in her career.
Her association with The Walt Disney Studios deepened in the 1950s as the studio expanded its live-action film production in England. She took on the role of Mary Tudor in The Sword and the Rose (1953), alongside Richard Todd, and portrayed Helen Mary MacGregor, the spirited wife of a Scottish freedom fighter, in Rob Roy, the Highland Rogue (1953). However, it was her return to Disney a decade later for Mary Poppins in 1964 that solidified her place in cinematic history. The musical became a phenomenon, receiving 13 Academy Award® nominations and winning five, further amplifying the impact of Glynis Johns Mary Poppins performance.
Beyond her iconic Disney role, Johns showcased her talents across television and stage. She graced television screens in shows like General Electric Theatre and The Cavanaughs, and even headlined her own series, Glynis. Her guest appearances included popular series such as Batman, Cheers, and Murder She Wrote, where she shared the screen with fellow Disney Legend Angela Lansbury.
Glynis Johns in A Little Night Music
In 1960, Johns earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her compelling portrayal of Mrs. Firth in The Sundowners, starring Robert Mitchum, demonstrating her dramatic depth. Later, in 1973, she achieved Tony Award® recognition for her unforgettable stage performance as Desiree Armfeldt in the original production of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music. Sondheim himself held her rendition of “Send in the Clowns” in high regard, declaring it his personal favorite, highlighting her exceptional talent and artistry.
Throughout her extensive career, Glynis Johns graced over 50 feature films and more than two dozen theatrical productions. Her filmography includes Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband (1947) with Paulette Goddard and Dear Brigitte (1965) alongside James Stewart. She also ventured into children’s television with The Secret Garden, an anthology version for ABC, co-starring Derek Jacobi. In later years, Johns returned to The Walt Disney Studios for the Touchstone comedy The Ref (1994) and appeared in the Hollywood Pictures hit While You Were Sleeping (1995) with Sandra Bullock. Her legacy was further celebrated through archival footage in documentaries like Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious: The Making of ‘Mary Poppins’ (2004) and the HBO documentary Six by Sondheim (2013).
Glynis Johns’ passing marks the end of an era, but her vibrant performances, particularly as Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins, will continue to enchant and inspire audiences for generations to come. Her contributions to film, television, and theatre have left an indelible mark, solidifying her status as a true Disney Legend and a beloved figure in entertainment history.
