Glynis Johns, a true living legend in the world of entertainment, recently marked a remarkable milestone. Turning 100 years old on October 5, she shared her reflections and insights in an interview with ABC7, celebrating a career that has spanned nearly eight decades. Her journey through the realms of cinema, stage, and music is nothing short of extraordinary.
Best known for her portrayal of Winifred Banks in the beloved classic “Mary Poppins” (1964), where she charmed audiences with her rendition of “Sister Suffragette,” Johns has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Later in her career, she graced projects like “The Ref” (1994), “While You Were Sleeping” (1995), and “Superstar” (1999).
In her recent interview, Glynis Johns, renowned for her distinctive husky voice in her prime, revealed that reaching the age of 100 felt no different to her. Her ten decades on this planet, during which she contributed her talents to 60 films and 30 plays, appeared as a seamless continuum. She modestly quipped, “Well, I looked very good for every age.” Her conversation delved into the highlights of her illustrious career and the art of sustaining it.
Reflecting on her lifelong dedication to her craft, she shared, “I’ve been working at something ever since I was born, I think.” One of the pinnacle moments in her career arrived when she received an Academy Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “The Sundowners.” A Golden Globe nomination soon followed in 1963. Her stellar performance as Mrs. Firth in the film left an indelible mark. Johns also secured a Tony Award for her role in “A Little Night Music,” further establishing her as a formidable talent.
Even at the age of 100, Glynis Johns hasn’t lost her enthusiasm for life. When reminded of her past accolades, she humorously responded, “I am glad you reminded me.” She fondly recalled the euphoria she experienced from her performances, saying, “I got applause for that. I loved doing it. I felt it.” The interviewer observed that her work continues to touch people, evoking a myriad of emotions. In response, the actress gracefully remarked, “What a lovely thought. That’s what I hoped.”
Her enduring love for acting is evident, as she once shared with the Los Angeles Times, “So I’ve never really been away. Even a few months ago, I was singing ‘Send in the Clowns’ for a charity performance. But my doctors were advising that I not work for a couple of months — that I needed to relax, take it easy, and undergo physiotherapy for my dental issues. More specifically, I had to decide whether I wanted to return to playing another role, to hear someone else perform eight times a week, doing something I was accustomed to doing.”
Beyond her remarkable career, IMDb notes that Glynis Johns was married four times and had one son, actor Gareth Forwood, who sadly passed away at the age of 62. Now, her grandson, Thomas Forwood, is on a mission to secure a well-deserved damehood for his legendary grandmother. In an interview with MailOnline, he expressed, “It would be fitting for the UK government to formally acknowledge her cultural contribution by bestowing upon her the title of Dame. I look at other actors like Dame Joan Collins, Dame Penelope Keith, Dame Maureen Lipman, and Dame Joanna Lumley, who have been honored in this way. While I would never seek to diminish their achievements, it’s clear that Glynis has been overlooked in this context.” It’s a heartwarming tribute to the enduring legacy of a remarkable talent.
In celebrating Glynis Johns’ century of life and entertainment, we are reminded of the indomitable spirit that drives her and the joy she has brought to generations of fans. As we honor her journey, it’s evident that her legacy will continue to inspire and captivate.
