Disney Legend (and ‘Mary Poppins’ Star) Passes Away

The original Mary Poppins (1964) movie is an iconic film that influenced a generation of early Disney fans. The musical movie followed a magical nanny, played by Julie Andrews and the Banks family. Throughout the movie, she brings the family of four together, along with the help of Bert, played by Dick Van Dyke.

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Its iconic moments include the phrases (and songs) “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “Spoonful of Sugar,” and “Chim Chim Cher-ee.”

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But among its pair of headliner stars (Andrews and Van Dyke), the movie also starred David Tomlinson as Mr. George W. Banks, Glynis Johns as Mrs. Winifred Banks, Karen Dotrice as Jane Banks, and Matthew Garber as Michael Banks.

Earlier today (Thursday, January 4), it was announced that the British actress Glynis Johns, who played the mother, Mrs. Banks, passed away at 100 years old.

Disney Legend Glynis Johns passed away from natural causes earlier today in Los Angeles. She was 100 years old.

Johns is best known to Disney fans as Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins (1964). pic.twitter.com/k1KzawBwSa

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) January 4, 2024

Her passing was confirmed by her manager, Mitch Clem. Ms. Johns passed away at an assisted living facility due to natural causes.

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Her Career

In addition to her work with Disney projects, the actress also starred in While You Were Sleeping (1995), The Ref (1994), and Nukie (1987).

She also had many roles in television shows throughout her life, including Murder, She Wrote (1985), Cheers (1983), The Love Boat (1984), and Batman (1967).

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Other than her career in film and television, Ms. Johns also had an onstage career that won her a Tony in 1973 for A Little Night Music.

Fan Reaction

She was the oldest living Disney Legend since 2021 (after Betty White passed away).

On X (formerly Twitter) many fans have expressed their grief.

Emily Clark (@emilyabclark) posted, “Sondheim wrote Send in the Clowns specifically for her. A true musical theatre ACTOR and a legend. RIP Glynis Johns. The night smiles for you.”

Sondheim wrote Send in the Clowns specifically for her. A true musical theatre ACTOR and a legend. RIP Glynis Johns. The night smiles for you. pic.twitter.com/T8I1WqZRfl

— Emily Clark (@emilyabclark) January 4, 2024

veronica (@gingercinephile) posted “rest in peace to the wonderful glynis johns, who, among a host of fabulous roles, gave us the iconic performance that was mrs. banks in mary poppins (1964)”

rest in peace to the wonderful glynis johns, who, among a host of fabulous roles, gave us the iconic performance that was mrs. banks in mary poppins (1964) ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3kRTgdOTVi

— veronica (@gingercinephile) January 4, 2024

As with every Disney Legend who passes away, Disney Fanatic sends its condolences to the family and friends of Glynis Johns.