Glynis Johns
Birth Place: Pretoria, SOUTH AFRICA
Latest News on Glynis Johns:
Review: Sullivan Rep's Strong Cast Shines in Sondheim's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (Jun 4, 2024)
MARY POPPINS Film Rating Changes in the U.K. Due to 'Discriminatory Language' (Feb 27, 2024)
Interview: Luke Yankee's Being Me in MARILYN, MOM & ME (Feb 1, 2024)
Review: Sullivan Rep's Strong Cast Shines in Sondheim's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (Jun 4, 2024)
MARY POPPINS Film Rating Changes in the U.K. Due to 'Discriminatory Language' (Feb 27, 2024)
Interview: Luke Yankee's Being Me in MARILYN, MOM & ME (Feb 1, 2024)
BIO
Glynis Margaret Payne Johns is a British retired actress, dancer, musician and singer. In a career spanning eight decades on stage and screen, Johns appeared in more than 60 films and 30 plays. She has received various accolades throughout her career, including a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award as well as nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Laurence Olivier Award. She is widely considered as being one of the last surviving major stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood and classical years of British cinema.
Johns was born in Pretoria, South Africa, the daughter of Welsh actor Mervyn Johns. She appeared on stage from a young age and was typecast as a stage dancer from early adolescence, making her screen debut in South Riding (1938). She rose to prominence in the 1940s following her role as Anna in the war drama film 49th Parallel (1941), for which she won a National Board of Review Award for Best Acting, and starring roles in Miranda (1948) and Third Time Lucky (1949). Following No Highway in the Sky (1951), a joint British-American production, Johns took on increasingly more roles in America and elsewhere. She made her television and Broadway debuts in 1952 and took on starring roles in such films as The Sword and the Rose (1953), The Weak and the Wicked (1954), Mad About Men (1954), The Court Jester (1955), The Sundowners (1960), The Cabinet of Caligari (1962), The Chapman Report (1962), and Under Milk Wood (1972). On television, she starred in her own sitcom Glynis (1963).
Renowned for the breathy quality of her husky voice, Johns sang songs written specifically for her both on screen and stage, including "Sister Suffragette", written by the Sherman Brothers for Disney's Mary Poppins (1964), in which she played Winifred Banks and for which she received a Laurel Award, and "Send In the Clowns", composed by Stephen Sondheim for Broadway's A Little Night Music (1973), in which she originated the role of Desiree Armfeldt and for which she received a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award.
Photos
STAGE CREDITS
Movies
Murder in the Family
[ 1938 ] Marjorie Osborne
[ 1938 ] Marjorie Osborne
South Riding
[ 1938 ] Midge Carne
[ 1938 ] Midge Carne
Prison Without Bars
[ 1938 ] Nina
[ 1938 ] Nina
The Fugitive
[ 1939 ] Mary Carr
[ 1939 ] Mary Carr
The Briggs Family
[ 1940 ] Sheila Briggs
[ 1940 ] Sheila Briggs
Under Your Hat
[ 1940 ] Winnie
[ 1940 ] Winnie
49th Parallel
[ 1941 ] Anna
[ 1941 ] Anna
The Adventures of Tartu
[ 1943 ] Paula Palacek
[ 1943 ] Paula Palacek
The Halfway House
[ 1944 ] Gwyneth - RhysDaughter
[ 1944 ] Gwyneth - RhysDaughter
Vacation from Marriage
[ 1945 ] Dizzy Clayton
[ 1945 ] Dizzy Clayton
This Man Is Mine
[ 1946 ] Millie
[ 1946 ] Millie
Frieda
[ 1947 ] Judy
[ 1947 ] Judy
An Ideal Husband
[ 1947 ] Mabel Chiltern
[ 1947 ] Mabel Chiltern
Miranda
[ 1948 ] Miranda Trewella
[ 1948 ] Miranda Trewella
Third Time Lucky
[ 1949 ] Joan Burns
[ 1949 ] Joan Burns
Dear Mr. Prohack
[ 1949 ] Mimi Warburton
[ 1949 ] Mimi Warburton
The Great Manhunt
[ 1950 ] Lisa Robinson
[ 1950 ] Lisa Robinson
Flesh and Blood
[ 1951 ] Katherine
[ 1951 ] Katherine
No Highway in the Sky
[ 1951 ] Marjorie Corder
[ 1951 ] Marjorie Corder
The Magic Box
[ 1951 ] May Jones
[ 1951 ] May Jones
Island Rescue
[ 1951 ] Nicola Fallaize
[ 1951 ] Nicola Fallaize
The Promoter
[ 1952 ] Ruth Earp
[ 1952 ] Ruth Earp
Personal Affair
[ 1953 ] Barbara Vining
[ 1953 ] Barbara Vining
Rob Roy: The Highland Rogue
[ 1953 ] Helen Mary MacPherson MacGregor
[ 1953 ] Helen Mary MacPherson MacGregor
The Sword and the Rose
[ 1953 ] Princess Mary Tudor
[ 1953 ] Princess Mary Tudor
Mad About Men
[ 1954 ] Caroline Trewella, Miranda Trewella
[ 1954 ] Caroline Trewella, Miranda Trewella
Young and Willing
[ 1954 ] Jean Raymond
[ 1954 ] Jean Raymond
Land of Fury
[ 1954 ] Marion Southey
[ 1954 ] Marion Southey
The Beachcomber
[ 1954 ] Martha Jones
[ 1954 ] Martha Jones
Josephine and Men
[ 1955 ] Josephine Luton
[ 1955 ] Josephine Luton
The Court Jester
[ 1955 ] Maid Jean
[ 1955 ] Maid Jean
Loser Takes All
[ 1956 ] Cary
[ 1956 ] Cary
Around the World in 80 Days
[ 1956 ] Sporting Lady's Companion
[ 1956 ] Sporting Lady's Companion
All Mine to Give
[ 1957 ] Jo Eunson
[ 1957 ] Jo Eunson
Another Time, Another Place
[ 1958 ] Kay Trevor
[ 1958 ] Kay Trevor
Shake Hands with the Devil
[ 1959 ] Kitty Brady
[ 1959 ] Kitty Brady
The Spider's Web
[ 1960 ] Clarissa Hailsham-Brown
[ 1960 ] Clarissa Hailsham-Brown
The Sundowners
[ 1960 ] Mrs. Firth
[ 1960 ] Mrs. Firth
The Chapman Report
[ 1962 ] Teresa Harnish
[ 1962 ] Teresa Harnish
Papa's Delicate Condition
[ 1963 ] Amberlyn Griffith
[ 1963 ] Amberlyn Griffith
Mary Poppins
[ 1964 ] Mrs. Winnifred Banks
[ 1964 ] Mrs. Winnifred Banks
Dear Brigitte
[ 1965 ] Vina Leaf
[ 1965 ] Vina Leaf
Don't Just Stand There
[ 1968 ] Sabine Manning
[ 1968 ] Sabine Manning
Lock Up Your Daughters!
[ 1969 ] Mrs. Squeezum
[ 1969 ] Mrs. Squeezum
Under Milk Wood
[ 1971 ] Myfanwy Price
[ 1971 ] Myfanwy Price
Nukie
[ 1987 ] Sister Anne
[ 1987 ] Sister Anne
Zelly and Me
[ 1988 ] Co-Co
[ 1988 ] Co-Co
The Ref
[ 1994 ] Rose
[ 1994 ] Rose
While You Were Sleeping
[ 1995 ] Elsie
[ 1995 ] Elsie
Superstar
[ 1999 ] Grandma
[ 1999 ] Grandma
TV Shows
Coming of Age
Trudie Pepper
Trudie Pepper
Awards and Nominations
Olivier Awards - 1977 - Actress of the Year in a New Play
Glynis JohnsCause Celebre
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Performance
Glynis Johns, A Little Night Music
winner
Tony Awards - 1973 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Glynis Johns , A Little Night Music
Videos
VIDEO: Get A First Look At HARRY TOWNSEND'S LAST STAND at New York City Center
by Alan Henry - Dec 3, 2019
TV: Len Cariou, Craig Bierko & More Explain What HARRY TOWNSEND'S LAST STAND Is All About
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 11, 2019
STAGE TUBE: Watch Lost Documentary Footage from SONDHEIM: A MUSICAL TRIBUTE
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 23, 2013
News
Review: Sullivan Rep's Strong Cast Shines in Sondheim's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
Late in the second act of “A Little Night Music,” the Stephen Sondheim musical about love – and the amorous, sometimes adulterous, always complicated entanglements that accompany it – the opening lines of the plaintive ballad “Send in the Clowns” ask, “Isn’t it bliss? Don’t you approve?” When it comes to the enchanting Sullivan Rep production of the show, now at Newton City Hall through June 8, the answer to both is a resounding yes.
Late in the second act of “A Little Night Music,” the Stephen Sondheim musical about love – and the amorous, sometimes adulterous, always complicated entanglements that accompany it – the opening lines of the plaintive ballad “Send in the Clowns” ask, “Isn’t it bliss? Don’t you approve?” When it comes to the enchanting Sullivan Rep production of the show, now at Newton City Hall through June 8, the answer to both is a resounding yes.
MARY POPPINS Film Rating Changes in the U.K. Due to 'Discriminatory Language'
In the U.K., the rating has been changed on the 1964 film Mary Poppins. Find out why here!
In the U.K., the rating has been changed on the 1964 film Mary Poppins. Find out why here!
Interview: Luke Yankee's Being Me in MARILYN, MOM & ME
Luke Yankee’s Marilyn, Mom & Me world premieres February 16, 2024, at the International City Theatre. Written by Luke, he also directs the cast of Laura Gardner, Alisha Soper, Jacquelin Lorraine Schofield, Brian Rohan and Noah Wagner.
Luke Yankee’s Marilyn, Mom & Me world premieres February 16, 2024, at the International City Theatre. Written by Luke, he also directs the cast of Laura Gardner, Alisha Soper, Jacquelin Lorraine Schofield, Brian Rohan and Noah Wagner.
Glynis Johns Dies at Age 100
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Tony-winner Glynis Johns has passed away at age 100. She is known for Disney's Mary Poppins (1964), in which she played Winifred Banks, and for originating the role of Desiree Armfeldt and for which she received a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award.
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Tony-winner Glynis Johns has passed away at age 100. She is known for Disney's Mary Poppins (1964), in which she played Winifred Banks, and for originating the role of Desiree Armfeldt and for which she received a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award.
World Premiere of MARILYN, MOM & ME to Open International City Theatre 2024 Season
International City Theatre will open its 2024 season with the world premiere of Yankee’s deeply personal comic drama, Marilyn, Mom & Me.
International City Theatre will open its 2024 season with the world premiere of Yankee’s deeply personal comic drama, Marilyn, Mom & Me.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 6, 2023
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 6, 2023 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 6, 2023 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Video: Tony Winner Glynis Johns Reflects on Her Career on Her 100th Birthday
Tony Award winning stage and screen actor Glynis Johns is celebrating her 100th birthday. In a new segment on ABC 7 she reflects on her career amidst this important birthday milestone. Watch the video here!
Tony Award winning stage and screen actor Glynis Johns is celebrating her 100th birthday. In a new segment on ABC 7 she reflects on her career amidst this important birthday milestone. Watch the video here!
Review: THE MUSIC MAN at Moorestown Theater Company
What did our critic think of THE MUSIC MAN at Moorestown Theater Company?
What did our critic think of THE MUSIC MAN at Moorestown Theater Company?
Interview: Sara Jean Ford of North Carolina Theatre's MARY POPPINS
From July 25th-30th, North Carolina Theatre will be presenting MARY POPPINS at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, which is located inside the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. I had the great pleasure of interviewing actress Sara Jean Ford, who will be taking on the role of Winifred Banks. Some of her previous Broadway credits include THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, FINIAN’S RAINBOW, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, and CATS.
From July 25th-30th, North Carolina Theatre will be presenting MARY POPPINS at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, which is located inside the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. I had the great pleasure of interviewing actress Sara Jean Ford, who will be taking on the role of Winifred Banks. Some of her previous Broadway credits include THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, FINIAN’S RAINBOW, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, and CATS.
Video: Celebrate 50 Years of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
A Little Night Music opened on Broadway on February 25, 1973. Watch videos of the original and revival casts!
A Little Night Music opened on Broadway on February 25, 1973. Watch videos of the original and revival casts!
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, THE CIRCLE & More Announced for Classical Theatre Company 2022/2023 Season
A 2016 winner of the prestigious National Theatre Company Grant Award by the American Theatre Wing, Classical Theatre Company has announce the lineup for its 2022-2023 15th Anniversary Mainstage Season. As the only professional theatre company in the State of Texas that solely produces classical drama on a year-round basis,
A 2016 winner of the prestigious National Theatre Company Grant Award by the American Theatre Wing, Classical Theatre Company has announce the lineup for its 2022-2023 15th Anniversary Mainstage Season. As the only professional theatre company in the State of Texas that solely produces classical drama on a year-round basis,
BWW Review: Donna McKechnie Is Luminous In TAKE ME TO THE WORLD " THE SONGS OF STEPHEN SONDHEIM at 54 Below
With her new Stephen Sondheim tribute show, Donna McKechnie is thrilling audiences and honoring a dear friend.
With her new Stephen Sondheim tribute show, Donna McKechnie is thrilling audiences and honoring a dear friend.
The Burry Fredrik Foundation Marks 10 Years Of Support For Connecticut's Non-Profit Professional Producing Theaters
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Burry Fredrik Foundation championing the growth and continuing health of Connecticut's non-profit professional producing theaters. Since 2012, the Foundation has granted over $3 million to a dozen Connecticut theaters with a proven track record of accomplishments. In 2022, $500,000 will be awarded. The Foundation was established by Burry Fredrik (1925-2012), a Tony Award-winning producer and noted director, who lived in Weston, CT.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Burry Fredrik Foundation championing the growth and continuing health of Connecticut's non-profit professional producing theaters. Since 2012, the Foundation has granted over $3 million to a dozen Connecticut theaters with a proven track record of accomplishments. In 2022, $500,000 will be awarded. The Foundation was established by Burry Fredrik (1925-2012), a Tony Award-winning producer and noted director, who lived in Weston, CT.
BWW Review: Love Is In The Air During TO STEVE WITH LOVE: LIZ CALLAWAY CELBRATES SONDHEIM at 54 Below
Liz Callaway was there for the last forty years, and, now, she is sharing the music and the memories in TO STEVE WITH LOVE, her musical cabaret honoring Mr. Sondheim.
Liz Callaway was there for the last forty years, and, now, she is sharing the music and the memories in TO STEVE WITH LOVE, her musical cabaret honoring Mr. Sondheim.
BWW Review: CABARET at NM Women's Club
Full confession: I was not jumping up and down to see another production of Cabaret. Chalk it up to Cabaret being the show that wouldn't die when I was in college - cast as a chorus member, it was a grueling rehearsal period and extended run, then we won American College Theater Festival for our region and had to come back early from winter break to recreate it, it literally went on for a good two thirds of my sophomore year. Some of the songs can give me PTSD. True fact.
Full confession: I was not jumping up and down to see another production of Cabaret. Chalk it up to Cabaret being the show that wouldn't die when I was in college - cast as a chorus member, it was a grueling rehearsal period and extended run, then we won American College Theater Festival for our region and had to come back early from winter break to recreate it, it literally went on for a good two thirds of my sophomore year. Some of the songs can give me PTSD. True fact.
BWW Interview: Alison Ewing of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at 42nd Street Moon Is Thrilled to Be Back Onstage in a Sondheim Classic
BroadwayWorld talks to leading lady Alison Ewing about playing Desiree in 42nd Street Moon's new production of Stephen Sondheim's 'A Little Night Music' playing November 4 to 21 in San Francisco.
BroadwayWorld talks to leading lady Alison Ewing about playing Desiree in 42nd Street Moon's new production of Stephen Sondheim's 'A Little Night Music' playing November 4 to 21 in San Francisco.
De Cerca: David Pintó analiza 'Send In the Clowns'
El director y adaptador musical comenta en profundidad la pieza de Stephen Sondheim, de su musical A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
El director y adaptador musical comenta en profundidad la pieza de Stephen Sondheim, de su musical A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
Summer Classic Film Series Returns To The Majestic Theater in 2021
Gettysburg College's Majestic Theater celebrates the return of its summer classic film series in 2021 after a forced hiatus last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Enjoy classic movies in the beautifully restored historic theater Wednesday nights at 7:30 p.m. June through August. Tickets are just $7 and are on sale now. Advanced ticket purchase is strongly recommended.
Gettysburg College's Majestic Theater celebrates the return of its summer classic film series in 2021 after a forced hiatus last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Enjoy classic movies in the beautifully restored historic theater Wednesday nights at 7:30 p.m. June through August. Tickets are just $7 and are on sale now. Advanced ticket purchase is strongly recommended.
Theater Stories: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, CAROUSEL, SOUTH PACIFIC and More About The Majestic Theatre!
Today's Theater Stories features the Majestic Theatre! Learn about some of the best-known shows to grace the stage of the Majestic Theatre, including Carousel, South Pacific, Camelot, Phantom of the Opera, and many more!
Today's Theater Stories features the Majestic Theatre! Learn about some of the best-known shows to grace the stage of the Majestic Theatre, including Carousel, South Pacific, Camelot, Phantom of the Opera, and many more!
UN DÍA COMO HOY: A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC se estrenaba en Broadwayd
Un 25 de febrero, en 1973, se estrenaba por primera vez en Broadway A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, el musical con música y letra de Stephen Sondheim y libreto de Hugh Wheeler. Inspirado en la película de Ingmar Bergman SMILES OF A SUMMER NIGHT, el musical subía el telón del Shubert Theatre bajo la dirección de Harold Prince y con las coreografías de Patricia Birch.
Un 25 de febrero, en 1973, se estrenaba por primera vez en Broadway A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, el musical con música y letra de Stephen Sondheim y libreto de Hugh Wheeler. Inspirado en la película de Ingmar Bergman SMILES OF A SUMMER NIGHT, el musical subía el telón del Shubert Theatre bajo la dirección de Harold Prince y con las coreografías de Patricia Birch.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Glynis Johns been in?
Glynis Johns has appeared on Broadway in 6 shows.
How many West End shows has Glynis Johns been in?
Glynis Johns has not appeared in the West End.
What awards has Glynis Johns been nominated for?
Actress of the Year in a New Play (Olivier Awards) for Cause Celebre, Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for A Little Night Music and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for A Little Night Music.
What awards has Glynis Johns won?
Glynis Johns has won the Outstanding Performance award at the Drama Desk Awards for A Little Night Music and the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for the same production, A Little Night Music.
Videos