British actress, dancer, and singer Glynis Johns just celebrated a momentous milestone: she turned 100 years old on October 5. This marks her as one of the world’s oldest living actresses.
Glynis Johns at Disney’s “Mary Poppins” 40th Anniversary Edition DVD Launch Party in Los Angeles, California on November 30, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
Johns is well known for starring in the classic original 60s film, “Mary Poppins,” alongside other iconic stars such as Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. In addition to this famous movie, Johns has worked with other big names in the industry on multiple productions.
Glynis Johns in the movie “Flesh And Blood” in 1951 | Source: Getty Images
She’s also received recognition in the form of an Oscar nomination and prestigious accolades, like a BAFTA and a Tony, for her work. Last month, before Johns turned 100, a news outlet reported that her family wanted to mark the special day by requesting that the government declare her a Dame.
Glynis Johns leaving her home in London, England on July 28, 1949 | Source: Getty Images
The source claimed that Johns is the only British actress either within her generation or younger who has never been honored in this way. Regarding their request, Johns’ grandson, Thomas Forwood, asserted:
“Everyone in the family is immensely proud of her achievements. It would be fitting on this occasion for the UK government to formally acknowledge her cultural contribution by making her a Dame…”
Glynis Johns at Disney’s “Mary Poppins” 40th Anniversary Edition DVD Launch Party in Los Angeles, California on November 30, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
Johns has been performing in the showbiz industry for an extremely long time. She got her start at just a few weeks old when her grandmother brought her up on a stage in London.
Glynis Johns at posing in a portrait for the movie “Dear Brigitte” in 1965 | Source: Getty Images
From then on, her career gained momentum as the years went on, and Johns quickly became a shining star in the entertainment industry. Up until now, the “Miranda” star has had a total of four husbands, bore a son from one of her marriages, and has managed to outlive them all.
Glynis Johns in an episode of “Star Quality” in 1968 | Source: Getty Images
Of where Johns sits in life now, doting grandson Forwood, who another media outlet deemed her closest surviving relative, confirmed that she is currently retiring. Forwood divulged:
“She lives in a retirement home in Beverly Hills and stepped back from public life entirely a decade or so ago and now lives very quietly. She’s still quite robust physically and has something of her old spirit about her…”
Glynis Johns at the BBC TV Awards Gala in Los Angeles, California on November 19, 1986 | Source: Getty Images
Glynis Johns Shared Some Words about Turning 100, and Fans of the Star Are Happy For Her
Yesterday, a news channel covered the story of Johns celebrating a century on Earth. In the video, the outlet profiled Johns’ incredible career, and an interviewer sat down with the star to discuss some details about her life.
While recounting the memorable moments of her professional life, the interviewer asked Johns what turning 100 years old feels like. The icon wittily remarked:
“It doesn’t make any difference to me. Well, I looked very good for every age.”
Glynis Johns speaking about her career and life in an interview from her retirement home room on October 5, 2023 | Source: YouTube/ABC7
In the comment section of the video, many of Johns’ fans showered her with love and congratulatory messages. Their happiness for the revered showbiz legend could be felt through the screen:
“Remarkable woman—Britain’s oldest film star ever. Congratulations Glynis. xx”
Glynis Johns speaking with an interviewer from her retirement home room on October 5, 2023 | Source: YouTube/ABC7
Fan comments talking about Glynis Johns, dated October 5, 2023 | Source: YouTube/ABC7
In addition to her fans, Johns’ family is incredibly proud of her stellar achievements, and many continue to marvel at her illustrious career as she celebrates a phenomenal milestone.
Thus far, there has yet to be confirmation whether Forwood’s request for his grandmother to garner Dame status will be granted.