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How did Glynis Johns die? 'Mary Poppins' star who outlived all her husbands and only child dies at 100

Renowned actress Glynis Johns, who performed Stephen Sondheim's 'Send in the Clowns' for the first time, has died at the age of 100

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA: Glynis Johns, the cheery leading lady with British charm who played 'Mary Poppins' vivacious feminist mother Winifred Banks, has died. She was 100 years old.

Her manager, Mitch Clem, informed The Hollywood Reporter that Glynis died on December 4 of natural causes at an assisted living home in the region. Her death was hailed as "a sad day for Hollywood" by her management.

“She is the last of the last of old Hollywood.”

The South African actress was well-known for her long career in cinema and television. The Tony Award-winning actress outlived all of her ex-husbands and her only child.

Fans remember the legend for her performance in 'Mary Poppins', as well as her portrayal as Desiree Armfeldt in Sondheim's 'A Little Night Music', in which she sang the legendary song 'Send in the Clowns', which the composer penned specifically for her.

On X, fans wrote, "Sondheim wrote Send in the Clowns specifically for her. A true musical theatre ACTOR and a legend. RIP Glynis Johns. The night smiles for you."

While another user chimed in, "Rest in Peace Glynis Johns, thanks for bringing joy to my gay little life."

One user also tweeted, "Rest in peace to the wonderful glynis johns, who, among a host of fabulous roles, gave us the iconic performance that was mrs. banks in mary poppins (1964)."

"Imagine living to 100 after creating multiple iconic roles and having Sondheim write one of his signature songs for you and your specific voice?? A total legend and true original. We’ll miss you Glynis Johns," another person noted.

How did Glynis Johns land the role in 'Mary Poppins'?

Walt Disney adored Glynis's effervescent onscreen character and cast her as Mrs Banks in 'Mary Poppins' (1964), who needs a nanny (Julie Andrews) to care for her two children. In the film, she sang the classic song 'Sister Suffragette'.

Was 'Mary Poppins' star Glynis Johns married?

Glynis married four times during her life. Her first marriage was to Anthony Forwood, whom she met while filming 'Quiet Wedding'.

They married in London and had one kid together before filing for divorce in 1948, charging 'adultery'.

Glynis later married David Foster, a Royal Navy lieutenant. Unfortunately, they divorced in 1956.

Cecil Henderson, her third husband, was a businessman whom she married in 1960. The couple split barely two years later after Henderson claimed Glynis had an affair.

Elliott Arnold, a writer and US Air Force Captain, was her final marriage. They were married from 1964 to 1973.

It is unknown whether she ever remarried or was in a relationship at the time of her death.

Who were 'Mary Poppins' star Glynis Johns's parents?

Glynis was born on October 5, 1923, in Pretoria, South Africa, to Alyce Steele-Wareham, an Australian-born concert pianist, and Mervin Johns. Her family is originally from England, and her mother traveled the world as a pianist.

Her mother, Alyce, gave birth to Glynis while on tour.

They returned to England a few months after Glynis was born, so she spent most of her childhood in the capital, London. She made her theatrical debut when she was three weeks old, in October 1923, when she was carried on to the London stage by her grandmother.

Born into a family of actors, it was only natural for her to pursue this professional path, and at the age of eight, she was cast in her first play.

When did 'Mary Poppins' fame Glynis Johns make her debut?

After winning over two dozen gold medals in dancing contests around England and earning a degree to teach ballet by the age of ten, Glynis made her film debut in England at the age of 13 in 'South Riding', a rural drama starring Ralph Richardson.

She later rose to prominence after portraying the titular role in 'Peter Pan' onstage at 19. Glynis collaborated with her father on the movies 'The Halfway House', 'The Magic Box', and 'The Sundowners'.

Beginning with 'Under Your Hat,' Glynis' film career took off in the 1940s. Maurice Elvey directed the spy flick in which she played a supporting part.

Over the next decade, she appeared in around one film every year. Her most well-known and beloved role was as the famous Mrs Banks in 'Mary Poppins' in 1964.

Mrs Banks rocketed Glynis to fame, and her career grew from strength to strength. This incredible success continued for decades, until the 1990s, when she began to take fewer jobs.

Her most recent performance was in the 1999 film, 'Superstar'.

She made her Broadway debut in 1952 with 'Gertie,' played opposite Charles Laughton in a 1956 revival of George Bernard Shaw's 'Major Barbara', and participated in a 1989 production of W Somerset Maugham's 'The Circle,' with Rex Harrison.

Glynis Johns will always be remembered as one of the last legends of Hollowood.