Glynis Johns Obituary – Glynis Johns, a renowned stage and screen actress who received a Tony Award and starred alongside Julie Andrews in the iconic film “Mary Poppins,” as well as introduced Stephen Sondheim’s future classic “Send in the Clowns,” has passed away at the age of 100. According to her manager, Mitch Clem, Johns died on Thursday at an assisted living facility in Los Angeles due to natural causes.
Johns was widely recognized for her dedication to her craft, characterized by her precision, analytical approach, and strong opinions. She sought multi-dimensional roles, refusing to settle for anything less than giving her utmost effort. In a 1990 interview with The Associated Press, she expressed her perspective on acting, stating, “I’m not interested in playing the role on only one level. The essence of exceptional acting lies in bringing it to life, making it real. To achieve that, I must comprehend it in my mind.”
One of Johns’ most significant achievements was her portrayal of Desiree Armfeldt in “A Little Night Music,” which earned her a Tony Award in 1973. Sondheim specifically tailored the show’s popular song, “Send in the Clowns,” to suit her unique and captivating husky voice. However, she was not cast in the 1977 film adaptation, losing the role to Elizabeth Taylor. Reflecting on the experience, Johns shared with the AP in 1990, “I’ve had other songs written for me, but nothing like that. It’s the greatest gift I’ve ever received in the theater.” Over the years, numerous artists, including Frank Sinatra, Judy Collins, Barbra Streisand, Sarah Vaughan, and Olivia Newton-John, have performed Sondheim’s beloved song. Additionally, it was featured in the second season of “Yellowjackets” in 2023, sung by Elijah Wood.