Glynis Johns, best known for her iconic role as Mrs. Banks in Mary Poppins and her rendition of the song ‘Send in the Clowns,’ has passed away peacefully at her Los Angeles home, as confirmed by her manager. The Tony-winning actor, who celebrated her 100th birthday in October, left an indelible mark on Hollywood and was considered one of the last living major stars from the golden age of cinema.

Her manager, Mitch Clem, shared a statement expressing the somberness of the day for Hollywood. He highlighted Johns’ remarkable journey through life, powered by intelligence, wit, and a love for performance. Describing her as a guiding light in his early career, Clem praised Johns for navigating the industry with grace, class, and truth.

Johns gained fame for her role as the suffragette Mrs. Banks in the 1964 film Mary Poppins. On the stage, she delivered a memorable performance of ‘Send in the Clowns’ in the musical A Little Night Music in 1973, earning her a Tony and Drama Desk Award. In 1991, she returned to the show, playing Madame Armfeldt, the mother of her original character.

Reflecting on her career, Johns once stated, “There’s no point in acting at my age unless I’m going to feel that I’m stretching – or unless [I were] getting a million bucks a day.” Making her debut in 1938, she appeared in 60 films and over 30 plays, showcasing her talent on both stage and screen for eight decades.

Born in South Africa in 1923 to actor Melvyn Johns and concert pianist Alyce Steele-Wareham, Johns made her theatre debut at just three weeks old. Raised in the UK, she demonstrated an early aptitude for ballet, eventually teaching it at the age of ten.

Known for her perfectionism in her craft, Johns emphasized the importance of playing a role on multiple levels to create a sense of reality. Her passing marks the end of an era, with Clem noting, “Not only do we mourn the passing of our dear Glynis, but we mourn the end of the Golden Age of Hollywood.”