Renowned British actress Glynis Johns, best known for her memorable role as the feminist mother Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins, has died at the age of 100. Johns, a multitalented performer with a career spanning decades, passed away on Thursday of natural causes at an assisted living facility in West Hollywood.

Born on October 5, 1923, in Pretoria, South Africa, Glynis Johns was the daughter of concert pianist Alys Steele. At the young age of 13, she made her movie debut in England, showing remarkable talent that eventually led her to gain recognition for her portrayal of Peter Pan on stage when she was just 19.

Johns became a beloved figure in Hollywood, starring in various films including The Sword and the Rose and Rob Roy: The Highland Rogue, both Disney productions released in 1953. Her versatility as an actress was evident as she took on roles ranging from widowed saloon owner Mrs. Firth in The Sundowners (1960) to the daffy older socialite in The Chapman Report (1962). She received critical acclaim for her performance as Desiree Armfeldt in the original 1973 production of A Little Night Music, winning a Tony Award for her role and famously singing "Send in the Clowns," a song written specifically for her by Stephen Sondheim.

However, it was her role as Mrs. Banks in the timeless classic Mary Poppins (1964) that solidified her presence in the hearts of audiences worldwide. Walt Disney himself was captivated by Johns' lively onscreen persona and handpicked her for the role of the spirited mother who seeks a nanny to care for her children. Her performance of the iconic song "Sister Suffragette" further endeared her to fans.

Throughout her career, Johns also made appearances on television, starring in her own sitcom, Glynis, in 1963, and joining the cast of the popular series Batman in its final season. In later years, she continued to grace both the big and small screens, portraying memorable characters in films such as The Ref (1994), While You Were Sleeping (1995), and Superstar (1999).

Johns' talent and grace extended beyond acting, as she was also a skilled dancer, pianist, and singer. Her contributions to the entertainment industry earned her numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Sundowners. She also received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in The Chapman Report.

Glynis Johns was married four times and had one son, Gareth Forwood, from her marriage to Anthony Forwood. She is survived by her late son, as she had no other close relatives.

As news of her passing broke, tributes and remembrances poured in, honoring her remarkable talent and enduring contributions to the world of entertainment. Glynis Johns will always be remembered as a bright star who brought joy to audiences around the world with her mesmerizing performances.

Funeral arrangements and memorial services details are yet to be announced.

Update: Glynis Johns' family has announced that a private funeral service will be held honoring her life and legacy. The details of any public memorials or celebrations of her work will be shared at a later date.