In 1973, at the age of 49 and amid her fourth divorce, Johns earned widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Desirée Armfeldt in Stephen Sondheim’s musical “A Little Night Music,” winning a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Her rendition of the poignant song “Send In the Clowns” left an indelible mark on the production.
Prior to her theatrical success, Johns showcased her versatility in the iconic 1965 Disney film “Mary Poppins,” where she played Mrs. Banks, a spirited Edwardian suffragist. While raising eyebrows with her two small children’s magical adventures under the care of Julie Andrews’ supernatural nanny, Johns’ character donned a sash proclaiming “Votes for Women” and planned to “throw things at the prime minister.”
Glynis Margaret Payne Johns, born on October 5, 1923, in Pretoria, South Africa, to artist parents, embarked on a stage career from a young age. Her father, Mervyn Johns, was a well-known Welsh actor, and her mother, Alice Maude (Steele-Wareham) Johns, was an Australian concert pianist. Glynis Johns’ acting journey began in children’s plays, and she became the fourth generation in her family to pursue a career in the theater.
In addition to her accomplishments on Broadway, including her role in George Bernard Shaw’s “Major Barbara,” Johns left her mark on Hollywood. She appeared in various films, displaying her versatility in roles ranging from a comedic mermaid in “Miranda” (1949) to a determined spy in “The Court Jester” (1956) alongside Danny Kaye. Her portrayal of a loquacious Australian innkeeper in “The Sundowners” (1960) earned her an Academy Award nomination.
Johns continued to grace the stage with her presence, appearing in Shaw’s “Too True to Be Good” (1963) and “The Circle” (1989) opposite Rex Harrison in his final stage production. Her remarkable career spanned international tours, television series like “Glynis” (1963), and notable stage performances.Throughout her life, Glynis Johns navigated four marriages, beginning with Anthony Forwood (1942-1948) and followed by David R. Foster (1952-1956), Cecil Henderson (1960-1962), and Elliott Arnold (1964-1973). She faced the loss of her only child, Gareth Forwood, in 2007. Johns leaves behind a legacy cherished by audiences worldwide and is survived by a grandson and three great-grandchildren. Her passion for acting remained a constant in her life, with Johns expressing, “Acting is my highest form of intelligence, the time when I use the best part of my brain.”
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