The original Winifred Banks, played by Glynis Johns from Mary Poppins, passed away at 100 yesterday. The South African actress leaves behind a grandchild as she died from natural causes in West Hollywood.
Johns grew up as a dancer before switching to theater and acting. Making her broadway acting debut in "Gertie" in 1952, but in her words she had always been an actress since she started as early as 12. Johns is also known for her singing and acting in "A Little Night Music" which is an adaptation of a book written by Hugh Wheeler and directed by Stephen Sondheim. The song in question performed by Johns was "Send in the Clowns."
The Tony Award winner led a life of acting in multiple tv shows, adaptations and musical productions. Starring in countless movies and shows often left the actress longing for a simple life, however she knew this was no longer possible.
"Later on, I wanted to lead what I thought of as a 'normal' existence, but I soon found I wasn't as normal away from the theater as in it," she said in an interview with the Times. "Acting is my highest form of intelligence, the time when I use the best part of my brain. I was always told, by my married friends, for example, that I could apply that intelligence to something else, some other aspect of living, but I can't. I don't have the same flair in other things."
Johns lived a life of fruitful experiences and opportunities that changed how the critics and audiences saw musical theater and multi-talented actors. Her hard work has left an ever-lasting impression on the community she created and inspired.
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