Published on 07/04/2024 at 08:00 by Sharleen McAleavy

Glynis Johns: A look back at the Mary Poppins actress' career

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Glynis Johns died aged 100

Glynis Johns died aged 100 © Ron Galella / Getty Images

The actress and singer was best known for her role in the legendary film Mary Poppins.

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She died of natural causes

She died of natural causes © Ron Galella / Getty Images

The actress died at her retirement home in Los Angeles on Thursday 4 January 2024, her manager announced.

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Glynis rose to fame in the 1960s

Glynis rose to fame in the 1960s © Archive Photos

Her career began in the late 1940s, but it was in 1964 that she landed the role of Mrs Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins.

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Glynis Johns as Winifred Banks

Glynis Johns as Winifred Banks © Mary Poppins / Walt Disney Pictures

A face and a voice familiar to anyone who saw the film as a child!

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The Invaders

The Invaders © The Invaders

In 1941, Glynis Johns was still unknown to the general public when she appeared in the film The Invaders.

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Glynis Johns in The Invaders

Glynis Johns in The Invaders © The Invaders

She plays the role of Anna.

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The Halfway House

The Halfway House © The Halfway House

In 1943, the actress was still discreet, but appeared in Michael Balcon's film The Halfway House. This time, her name was on the poster!

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Glynis Johns in The Halfway House

Glynis Johns in The Halfway House © The Halfway House

She played opposite her own father, actor Mervyn Johns!

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Mervyn Johns, Glynis' father

Mervyn Johns, Glynis' father © Dennis Oulds / Getty Images

Mervyn Johns (accompanied by his second and last wife in the photo, and Glynis) was also a talented actor! 

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Vacation from Marriage

Vacation from Marriage © Vacation from Marriage

In 1945, she was cast in Robert Donat's film Vacation from Marriage.

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Glynis Johns

Glynis Johns © Silver Screen Collection

She built her career bit by bit... 

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An Ideal Husband

An Ideal Husband © An Ideal Husband

Glynis appeared in 1947 in the film An Ideal Husband, based on a story by Oscar Wilde.

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Glynis Johns in An Ideal Husband

Glynis Johns in An Ideal Husband © An Ideal Husband

She played Miss Mabel Chiltern.

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Miranda

Miranda © Miranda

In 1948 she got the lead role in the film Miranda! The first big step in her career.

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Glynis Johns in Miranda

Glynis Johns in Miranda © Miranda

She played a sumptuous mermaid... 

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No Highway in the Sky

No Highway in the Sky © No Highway in the Sky

In 1951, she starred in the film No Highway in the Sky. For the second time in this list, her name is on the poster (at the very bottom, but all the same).

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Glynis Johns in No Highway in the Sky

Glynis Johns in No Highway in the Sky © No Highway in the Sky

At this point, Americans began to recognise Glynis' face and voice.

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The Card

The Card © The Card

By 1952, Glynis Johns was an established actress. She appeared in The Card, alongside Alec Guinness and singer Petula Clark!

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Glynis Johns in The Card

Glynis Johns in The Card © The Card

A star!

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Mad About Men

Mad About Men © Mad About Men

In 1954, her name was the first to appear on the poster for the film Mad About Men!

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Glynis Johns in Mad About Men

Glynis Johns in Mad About Men © Mad About Men

She plays the lead role in the sequel to Miranda, the film that brought her to American attention.

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Glynis in Mad About Men

Glynis in Mad About Men © Mad About Men

Everyone in the United States knows who she is at this point.

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Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins © Mary Poppins / Walt Disney Pictures

In 1964, she landed the role that made her famous the world over.

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Glynis Johns in Mary Poppins

Glynis Johns in Mary Poppins © Mary Poppins / Walt Disney Pictures

Mrs Winifred Banks!

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While You Were Sleeping

While You Were Sleeping © While You Were Sleeping

In 1995, Glynis John starred opposite Sandra Bullock in the film While You Were Sleeping!

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Glynis Johns in While You Were Sleeping

Glynis Johns in While You Were Sleeping © While You Were Sleeping

One of the last films she made before retiring from acting. We'll miss her!