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Glynis JohnsBritish film and theater actress, dancer, pianist and singer
Date of Birth: 05.10.1923
Country:  Great Britain |
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Biography of Glynis Johns
Glynis Johns (born October 5, 1923) is a British film and theater actress, dancer, pianist, and singer. She gained recognition in London after her role in "Peter Pan" in 1943, followed by her Broadway debut in "Gertie" in 1952. She returned to Broadway in 1956 in George Bernard Shaw's play "Major Barbara" directed by Charles Laughton. Glynis is best known for her role as Desiree Armfeldt, the main character in the popular musical "A Little Night Music" by Hugh Wheeler and Stephen Sondheim.
Early Life and Career
Glynis was born in Pretoria, South Africa. Her mother, Alice Maude Jones (Stiles- Payne), was a pianist, and her father, Mervyn Jones, was a British theater and film actor. Although of Welsh descent, Glynis was born in Africa because her parents were on a theater tour there. Growing up in a theatrical family, she was destined to follow in her parents' footsteps.
Glynis made her stage debut in 1935 in the play "Buckie's Bears." The following year, she landed a role in the London production of Lilian Hellman's "The Children's Hour." She then appeared in two more plays, "St. Helena" and "The Melody That Got Lost." In 1938, Glynis made her screen debut in Victor Saville's film "South Riding," where she showcased her promising talent as Ralph Richardson's daughter. She went on to play supporting roles in several lesser-known British films, such as Michael Powell's "The Invaders/49th Parallel."
Despite her appearance, which seemed more suited for comedic roles, Glynis demonstrated significant dramatic talent in films like "Frieda" (1947) and "State Secret." Her first commercially successful film was "Miranda" in 1948, where she portrayed a seductive mermaid. She reprised a similar role in "Mad About Men" in 1954. Glynis' vibrant and spiritual personality became her trademark, breathing life into every role she played.
Later Career
In 1960, Glynis played the hotel owner pursuing Peter Ustinov's elusive marital commitment in the adventure drama "The Sundowners." This was followed by one of her most famous roles as the eccentric suffragette wife of David Tomlinson and mother to Julie Andrews' charges in Disney's "Mary Poppins." In 1965, she portrayed James Stewart's wife in "Dear Brigette," and in 1967, she played the crafty villainess Penelope Peasoup in the popular ABC television series "Batman."
Glynis always took pride in her Welsh roots, which is why she happily starred alongside Richard Burton in the film adaptation of Dylan Thomas' "Under Milkwood." As she matured, she began to portray eccentric old ladies in films such as "The Ref," "While You Were Sleeping," and "Superstar." She also starred in her short-lived television series "Glynis" and had a recurring role as the lively Trudy Pepper in the series "Coming of Age."
Glynis never abandoned the theater. After her success in "Peter Pan," she made her Broadway debut in "Gertie" in 1952. She returned to Broadway in 1956 in George Bernard Shaw's play "Major Barbara." Her most notable Broadway role was Desiree Armfeldt in "A Little Night Music." During the Boston tour of the musical, Glynis fell ill, and there were discussions about replacing her. However, she fiercely defended her role, stating that no one else would play it. Sondheim agreed, and the play was a resounding success. Glynis' performance was particularly acclaimed, earning her a Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical.
In 1989, Glynis made a comeback to Broadway in the revival of Somerset Maugham's play "Circle" alongside Rex Harrison and Stewart Granger. Two years later, in 1991, she portrayed Madam Armfeldt, the mother of her previous character, in the Los Angeles production of "A Little Night Music." Glynis also starred in the Long Island production of "A Coffin in Egypt" in 1998.
