Beloved actress Glynis Johns, known for her iconic role as Mrs. Banks in the film "Mary Poppins," has passed away at the age of 100. Her manager, Mitch Clem, confirmed that she died of natural causes at an assisted living home in Los Angeles on Thursday. Described as the "last of the last of old Hollywood," Johns' death marks the end of an era in the entertainment industry.

Clem expressed his sadness over the loss of his beloved client, praising her intelligence, wit, and love for performance. He spoke highly of her impact on millions of lives and her ability to navigate the industry with grace, class, and truth. Johns' light shone brightly for a century, with a wit that could stop people in their tracks and a heart that loved deeply and purely. Clem emphasized that her passing is not only a somber day for Hollywood but also the end of the golden age of Hollywood.

Johns herself had a profound impact on the world of theater and film. She was known as a perfectionist, always striving to bring depth and reality to her roles. In a 1990 interview, she stated that the whole point of acting is to make a reality of the character and to be real. She had a unique ability to make sense of her roles in her own mind, allowing her to deliver authentic performances.

One of Johns' greatest triumphs was her portrayal of Desiree Armfeldt in the Tony Award-winning musical "A Little Night Music." Stephen Sondheim wrote the show's hit song, "Send in the Clowns," specifically for her distinctive husky voice. Although she lost the part to Elizabeth Taylor in the 1977 film adaptation, Johns considered the song to be the greatest gift she had ever received in the theater.

Born in Pretoria, South Africa, while her parents were on tour, Johns came from a long line of English theatrical family. Her father, Mervyn, had a successful career as a character actor, and her mother was a pianist. Johns began her career as a dancer at the age of 12 and made her acting debut in London's West End at 14. Her breakthrough role came in the 1948 hit comedy "Miranda," where she played the amorous mermaid.

In addition to her role in "Mary Poppins," where she sang the rousing tune "Sister Suffragette," Johns starred in the 1989 Broadway revival of W. Somerset Maugham's romantic comedy "The Circle." She shared the stage with Rex Harrison and Stewart Granger.

Throughout her life, Johns lived in various parts of the world and was married four times. Her first husband, Anthony Forwood, was the father of her only child, Gareth Forwood, who was also an actor and sadly passed away in 2007.

Glynis Johns' talent and contributions to the entertainment industry will be remembered and cherished by fans and colleagues alike. Her legacy as a versatile and accomplished actress, as well as her unique ability to bring depth and authenticity to her roles, will continue to inspire future generations of performers.