Actress Glynis Johns, known for her role as a feminist mother in “Mary Poppins”, died this Thursday (4/1) at the age of 100. According to her agent, she died of natural causes in an assisted living facility in West Hollywood, greater Los Angeles.
Beginning of career
Born on October 5, 1923 in Pretoria, South Africa, Johns began her career competing in dance competitions in England at the age of 10. Her film debut came at the age of 13, in the English drama “Abnegation” (1938). And her consecration in the theater came at the age of 19, playing the main role of “Peter Pan” in a London production of JM Barrie’s fairy tale.
She became a film star at the age of 23, playing the lead role in the film “Miranda, the Mermaid” (1948), by Ken Annakin, followed by leading roles in “The State Secret” (1950), by Sidney. Gilliat, “Na Estrada do Céu” (1951), by Henry Koster, and in the comedies “Ação Fulminante” (1951), in the role of David Niven’s romantic partner, and “As Voltas com 3 Mulheres” (1952), in competition with Alec Guinness.
Success in Hollywood
He ended up attracting the attention of Hollywood, becoming the protagonist of two famous Disney adventure films in 1953: “The Sword and the Rose”, again directed by Ken Annakin, and “The Greatest Rebel” (Rob Roy), by Harold French. He also starred in Paramount’s medieval comedy “The Jester” (1955), opposite Danny Kaye, and in the epic adventure “Around the World in 80 Days” (1956), which won five Oscars, while maintaining an active career in the United States. Kingdom-his collaboration with Ken Annakin continued with the drama “Land of Seduction” (1954) and the comedy “Honeymoon in Monte Carlo” (1956).
Her multifaceted talent led her to be nominated for an Oscar as best supporting actress for her performance in Fred Zinnemann’s “Pilgrim of Hope” (1960), a drama about Australian colonization. But her greatest recognition came with the role of Mrs. Banks in “Mary Poppins” (1964), the feminist mother of the children cared for by the magical nanny of the title (played by Julie Andrews). Her memorable performance, particularly that of the song “Sister Suffragette”, solidified her position as a charismatic actress and beloved by Disney audiences.
Glynis also had success with the comedies “The Interesting State of Dad” (1963), opposite Jackie Gleason, and “My Dear Brigitte” (1965), as the mother of a boy (Billy Mumy, of “Lost in Space”) obsessed with the French star Brigitte Bardot. Additionally, she had a memorable recurring role in the popular “Batman” series, appearing in four episodes as Lady Penelope Peasoup in 1967.
However, by the end of the 60s, the naive productions in which she starred began to go out of fashion, and her attempts to embark on the wave of more daring films – “For a Woman’s Body” (1968), “The Impatient Virgins” (1969) and “Under the Milk Woods” (1971), this one with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor – were not as successful.
Consecration in theater and end of career
Moving on to the theater, the actress won a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway musical “A Little Night Music” in 1973. This performance was particularly notable because it included a performance of “Send in the Clowns,” a song written especially for her. by Stephen Sondheim.
He continued to perform in theater, film and television appearances for the next several decades. One of her most famous TV appearances was as the mother of “Cheers” star Diane Chambers (Shelley Long) in a 1983 episode.
A constant figure on the screen until the end of the 20th century, he retired after the comedies “The Arbiter” (1994), “While You Sleep” (1995) and “Superstar: Despenca uma Estrela” (1999), in which he lived as of the mother and grandmother of the protagonists.
Glynnis Johns was married four times and had an only son, actor Gareth Forwood (“Gandhi”), who died in 2007. She leaves behind one grandson and three great-grandchildren.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
