History of Glynis Johns in Timeline
Glynis Johns, a British actress whose career spanned seven decades, graced both stage and screen, appearing in over 60 films and 30 plays. Her talent garnered numerous awards including a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award. She also received nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Laurence Olivier Award. Considered one of the last surviving stars of Hollywood's Golden Age and British cinema's classical years, her legacy is cemented in film history.
November 1922: Parents' Marriage
Glynis Johns' parents, Alyce Steele-Wareham and Mervyn Johns, married in November 1922.
October 1923: Theatrical Debut
Glynis Johns made her theatrical debut at three weeks old in October 1923.
October 1923: Birth of Glynis Johns
Glynis Johns was born in Pretoria, South Africa in October 1923.
1931: Judgement Day
Glynis Johns was cast as Sonia Kuman in "Judgement Day" in 1931.
December 1935: Buckie's Bears
Glynis Johns played Ursula in "Buckie's Bears" from December 1935 to January 1936.
January 1936: End of Buckie's Bears Run
Glynis Johns' run in "Buckie's Bears" ended in January 1936.
1937: Judgement Day and Other Plays
Glynis Johns appeared in productions of "Judgement Day", "A Kiss for Cinderella", and "The Children's Hour" in 1937.
1938: Film Appearances
Glynis Johns had roles in "Murder in the Family", "Prison Without Bars", and "South Riding" in 1938.
1939: On the Night of the Fire
Glynis Johns appeared in "On the Night of the Fire" in 1939.
July 1941: Quiet Weekend
Starting in July 1941, Glynis Johns reprised her role as Miranda Bute in the play "Quiet Weekend."
1941: 49th Parallel and The Prime Minister
Glynis Johns appeared in "49th Parallel" and had an uncredited role in "The Prime Minister" in 1941. She won an award for her performance in "49th Parallel".
1941: Acclaim for "49th Parallel"
Glynis Johns gained recognition for her role in "49th Parallel" in 1941, winning a National Board of Review Award.
1941: Meeting Anthony Forwood
Glynis Johns met her first husband, Anthony Forwood, in 1941 while rehearsing for "Quiet Wedding".
August 1942: First Marriage
Glynis Johns married Anthony Forwood on 29 August 1942 in Westminster, London, one month after their first date.
1943: Peter Pan
Glynis Johns appeared in "Peter Pan" at the Cambridge Theatre in 1943.
1943: The Adventures of Tartu
Glynis Johns appeared in "The Adventures of Tartu" in 1943.
January 1944: End of Run for Quiet Weekend and Judgement Day
In January 1944, "Quiet Weekend" ended its run. During this period, Johns also performed in "Judgement Day" at the Phoenix Theatre in London.
1944: The Halfway House
Glynis Johns starred in "The Halfway House" in 1944.
October 1945: Birth of Gareth Forwood
Glynis Johns's son, Gareth Forwood, was born on 14 October 1945.
1945: Perfect Strangers
Glynis Johns appeared in "Perfect Strangers" in 1945.
September 1946: Rising Star Recognition
In September 1946, Glynis Johns was recognized as a rising star by Powell and Pressburger.
1946: This Man Is Mine
Glynis Johns starred in "This Man Is Mine" in 1946.
1946: Preference for British Cinema
In 1946, Glynis Johns expressed a preference for working in British films.
1947: Frieda and An Ideal Husband
Glynis Johns starred in "Frieda" and "An Ideal Husband" in 1947.
June 1948: Divorce from Anthony Forwood
Glynis Johns divorced her first husband Anthony Forwood on 25 June 1948 on grounds of his adultery.
1949: Third Time Lucky
"Third Time Lucky" (1949) contributed to Glynis Johns' growing fame.
1949: Dear Mr. Prohack and Third Time Lucky
Glynis Johns starred in two films in 1949: "Dear Mr. Prohack," where she played Mimi Warburton, and "Third Time Lucky," where she played the femme fatale Joan Burns.
1950: West End debut
Glynis Johns made her West End debut in 1950, appearing in Fools Rush In and The Way Things Go.
June 1951: Engagement to Antony Darnborough
Glynis Johns became engaged to producer Antony Darnborough in June 1951 after working on the film "Encore" together.
December 1951: Broken Engagement
Glynis Johns and Antony Darnborough called off their engagement in December 1951.
1951: No Highway in the Sky
Glynis Johns appeared in "No Highway in the Sky" in 1951.
1951: No Highway in the Sky and American Film Debut
Glynis Johns made her American film debut in No Highway in the Sky, a joint British-American production, in 1951. She was already a prominent star in British films during the 1940s, with her popularity as a sought-after lead in part attributed to her exceptional acting skills.
1951: The Magic Box
Glynis Johns reunited with David Tomlinson in the 1951 film "The Magic Box."
1951: Box Office Popularity
Glynis Johns was voted the 10th most popular box-office star in 1951 and 1952.
1951: Flesh and Blood, No Highway in the Sky, Appointment with Venus, Encore, and The Magic Box
In 1951, Glynis Johns appeared in several films including "Flesh and Blood," "No Highway in the Sky," "Appointment with Venus," "Encore," and "The Magic Box."
1951: Simultaneous British and American Career
In 1951, after the film "No Highway in the Sky," Glynis Johns began to increasingly work in American cinema and television, alongside her existing British career.
February 1952: Marriage to David Foster
On 1 February 1952, Glynis Johns married David Foster, a Royal Navy officer, in Manhattan, New York.
September 1952: The Voice article
An article featuring Glynis Johns appeared in The Voice on Saturday, 20 September 1952.
1952: Weight Gain and Loss
Following her marriage to David Foster in 1952, Glynis Johns gained fourteen pounds. She discussed her experience with weight gain and subsequent loss, attributing it to a mental shift and determination.
1952: Broadway and Television Debut
Glynis Johns made her Broadway and television debuts in 1952.
1952: Television Debut in Little Women
Glynis Johns made her television debut in 1952 with an appearance in "Little Women."
1952: Continued Box Office Success
Glynis Johns maintained her position as a top box-office draw in 1952.
1952: The Card
Glynis Johns starred as Ruth Earp in the 1952 film "The Card," opposite Alec Guinness.
1953: Appearance in "Personal Affair"
Glynis Johns appeared in Antony Darnborough's television drama "Personal Affair" in 1953.
1953: The Sword and the Rose
Glynis Johns starred in "The Sword and the Rose" in 1953.
1953: Lux Video Theatre
In 1953, Glynis Johns appeared in an episode of "Lux Video Theatre."
1953: The Sword and the Rose, Rob Roy, the Highland Rogue, and Personal Affair
In 1953, Glynis Johns appeared in three films: "The Sword and the Rose," "Rob Roy, the Highland Rogue," and "Personal Affair."
1954: Mad About Men
Glynis Johns appeared in the film "Mad About Men" in 1954.
1954: The Weak and the Wicked and Mad About Men
Glynis Johns starred in "The Weak and the Wicked" and "Mad About Men" in 1954.
1954: The Weak and the Wicked, The Seekers, and The Beachcomber
Glynis Johns starred in "The Weak and the Wicked" in 1954 and also appeared in "The Seekers" and "The Beachcomber."
1954: National Bathing Beauty Contest Judge
In 1954, Glynis Johns served as a judge for the National Bathing Beauty Contest in Morecambe, England.
1955: The Court Jester
Glynis Johns starred in "The Court Jester" in 1955.
1955: Overcoming Migraines
In 1955, Glynis Johns shared that she had learned to relax, which led to the disappearance of her chronic migraines. She attributed this change to finding inner peace.
1955: Josephine and Men and The Court Jester
In 1955, Glynis Johns starred in "Josephine and Men" and "The Court Jester."
May 1956: Divorce from David Foster
Glynis Johns divorced her second husband, David Foster, on 17 May 1956 due to his adultery.
1956: Loser Takes All and Box Office Draw
By the time of Loser Takes All's release in 1956, Glynis Johns was a major box-office draw.
1956: The Errol Flynn Theatre
Glynis Johns guest-starred in two episodes of "The Errol Flynn Theatre" in 1956.
1956: Broadway revival: Major Barbara
Glynis Johns starred in a Broadway revival of George Bernard Shaw's Major Barbara in 1956.
1956: Film appearances
In 1956, Glynis Johns appeared in Loser Takes All, Around the World in 80 Days, and a Broadway revival of Major Barbara.
1957: Film: All Mine to Give
Glynis Johns starred in the Technicolor melodrama All Mine to Give in 1957.
1957: Schlitz Playhouse of Stars
In 1957, Glynis Johns appeared in an episode of "Schlitz Playhouse of Stars."
1958: The Frank Sinatra Show
Glynis Johns was a guest on "The Frank Sinatra Show" in 1958.
1958: Film: Another Time, Another Place
In 1958, Glynis Johns returned to Britain to film Another Time, Another Place with Lana Turner.
1959: Film: Shake Hands with the Devil
Glynis Johns starred as Kitty Brady in Shake Hands with the Devil in 1959.
October 1960: Marriage to Cecil Henderson
Glynis Johns married Cecil Henderson, a businessman, on 10 October 1960 in Westminster, London.
1960: Films: The Spider's Web and The Sundowners
In 1960, Glynis Johns starred in The Spider's Web and had a supporting role in The Sundowners, the latter earning her an Oscar nomination.
1961: Television: The Roaring 20s
Glynis Johns was cast in the ABC/Warner Bros. crime drama The Roaring 20s in 1961.
June 1962: Divorce from Cecil Henderson
Glynis Johns divorced Cecil Henderson on 21 June 1962 on grounds of her adultery.
1962: The Cabinet of Caligari and The Chapman Report
Glynis Johns starred in "The Cabinet of Caligari" and "The Chapman Report" in 1962.
1962: Television: The Lloyd Bridges Show
In the 1962–63 television season, Glynis Johns guest-starred in an episode of The Lloyd Bridges Show.
August 1963: Television: Glynis
The pilot episode of Glynis Johns's eponymous CBS television series, Glynis, premiered in August 1963.
1963: Broadway: Too True to Be Good
Glynis Johns appeared in the Broadway production of Too True to Be Good in 1963.
June 1964: Engagement to Elliott Arnold
Glynis Johns and Elliott Arnold announced their engagement on 25 June 1964.
1964: Mary Poppins
Glynis Johns played Winifred Banks in "Mary Poppins" in 1964 and received a Laurel Award.
1965: Television: Burke's Law
Glynis Johns appeared in an episode of ABC's detective series Burke's Law in 1965.
1966: West End: The King's Mare
In 1966, Glynis Johns starred in The King's Mare at London's Garrick Theatre.
1967: Television: Batman
Glynis Johns played the villainous Lady Penelope Peasoup in four episodes of the Batman television series in 1967.
1968: Film: Don't Just Stand There!
Glynis Johns appeared in the American comedy film Don't Just Stand There! in 1968.
1969: Stage: A Talent to Amuse
Glynis Johns appeared in the stage production A Talent to Amuse in 1969.
1969: Film: Lock Up Your Daughters
In 1969, Glynis Johns appeared in the British comedy film Lock Up Your Daughters.
January 1970: Stage: Come As You Are (Start)
Glynis Johns began her run in the play Come As You Are at the New Theatre and Strand Theatre in London in January 1970.
September 1970: Stage: Come As You Are (End)
Glynis Johns concluded her run in Come As You Are in September 1970.
September 1971: Death of Alyce Steele-Wareham
Glynis Johns's mother, Alyce Steele-Wareham, died on 1 September 1971 in Westminster.
1971: Advocacy for Welsh National Theatre
In 1971, Glynis Johns voiced her support for a national theatre in Wales, highlighting the Welsh people's love for art. Chris Bryant, a Labour MP, later recognized her as an ambassador for the creative arts in the UK and Wales.
March 1972: Stage: Marquise
Glynis Johns performed in Marquise at the Bristol Hippodrome in March 1972.
1972: Under Milk Wood Release
Glynis Johns appeared as Myfanwy Price in the film adaptation of Under Milk Wood, released in 1972.
1972: Narration for Caedmon Records
Glynis Johns began narrating children's stories for Caedmon Records in 1972.
January 1973: Divorce from Elliott Arnold and Reflections on Marriage
Glynis Johns divorced Elliott Arnold on 4 January 1973. In an interview that year, she discussed the compatibility of theatre and marriage in her experience, as well as her views on future marriage prospects.
1973: The Vault of Horror Release
Glynis Johns appeared in the anthology horror film The Vault of Horror, released in 1973.
1973: Continued narration work
Glynis Johns continued her narration work for Caedmon Records into 1973.
1973: A Little Night Music
Glynis Johns originated the role of Desiree Armfeldt in "A Little Night Music" in 1973, winning a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award.
1973: Thoughts on Acting, Marriage, and Compatibility
In 1973, Glynis Johns discussed her perspective on acting being her highest form of intelligence and how it affected her marriages. She also explained her traditional views on marriage and relationships.
1973: A Little Night Music Premiere and Tony Award
In 1973, Glynis Johns premiered in Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music at the Shubert Theatre in New York. The iconic song "Send In the Clowns" was written for her. She won a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award for her portrayal of Desiree Armfeldt.
1973: Intestinal Infection and "A Little Night Music"
In 1973, just before the opening night of "A Little Night Music," Glynis Johns was hospitalized with an intestinal infection, causing a one-week postponement. Despite her doctor's concerns, she returned to the show after two days.
1974: The Happy Prince Release
In 1974, Glynis Johns appeared in a short film adaptation of Oscar Wilde's The Happy Prince.
April 1975: Ring Round the Moon Performance
From April 1 to May 10, 1975, Glynis Johns starred in Ring Round the Moon at the Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles alongside Michael York.
May 1975: End of Ring Round the Moon Run
Glynis Johns's run in Ring Round the Moon at the Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles concluded on May 10, 1975.
1975: Original Three Dangerous Ladies Short Film
Glynis Johns originated the role of Mrs. Amworth in a 1975 short film adaptation, later included in the anthology film Three Dangerous Ladies.
March 1976: 13 Rue de l'Amour Premiere
Starting March 17, 1976, Glynis Johns starred in 13 Rue de l'Amour at the Phoenix Theatre in London with Louis Jourdan.
May 1976: 13 Rue de l'Amour Closing
The London production of 13 Rue de l'Amour, starring Glynis Johns, closed on May 8, 1976.
December 1976: Mervyn Johns remarries
Mervyn Johns, Glynis Johns' father, married actress Diana Churchill on 4 December 1976 in Hillingdon, London.
1977: Cause Célèbre Tour
From 1977 to March 1978, Glynis Johns toured in the play Cause Célèbre, performing at Her Majesty's Theatre in London and the Leicester Haymarket Theatre, among other venues.
1977: Three Dangerous Ladies Release
Glynis Johns reprised her role as Mrs. Amworth in the 1977 horror anthology film Three Dangerous Ladies.
March 1978: End of Cause Célèbre Tour and Award Nominations
In March 1978, Glynis Johns finished her tour with Cause Célèbre. She received a Laurence Olivier Award nomination and won a Variety Club Award for her performance.
1978: Death of Cecil Henderson
Glynis Johns's third husband, Cecil Henderson, died in 1978.
1980: Death of Elliott Arnold
Glynis Johns's fourth husband, Elliott Arnold, died in 1980.
August 1981: Hay Fever Performance in Guildford
Starting August 4, 1981, Glynis Johns appeared in Hay Fever at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford.
October 1981: Hay Fever Run Ends
Glynis Johns's run in Hay Fever concluded on October 10, 1981, after performances in Guildford and Nottingham.
1981: The Light Princess Narration
Glynis Johns narrated the album The Light Princess for Caedmon Records in 1981.
1982: Little Gloria... Happy at Last Release
Glynis Johns played Laura Fitzpatrick Morgan in the television film Little Gloria... Happy at Last, which aired in 1982.
1984: Narration of Frances Stories
In 1984, Glynis Johns narrated Bargain for Frances and Other Frances Stories for Caedmon Records.
1985: Murder, She Wrote Appearance
In 1985, Glynis Johns guest-starred in an episode of Murder, She Wrote.
1987: Nukie Release
Glynis Johns starred in the South African science fiction film Nukie, released in 1987.
1988: Coming of Age Premiere
Glynis Johns started her role as Trudie Pepper in the sitcom Coming of Age in 1988.
1988: Death of Anthony Forwood
Glynis Johns's first husband, Anthony Forwood, died in 1988.
1988: Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School and Zelly and Me Releases
In 1988, Glynis Johns voiced Miss Grimwood in Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School and starred as Co-Co in Zelly and Me.
November 1989: The Circle on Broadway
Glynis Johns began her run as Lady Catherine Champion-Cheney in The Circle on Broadway, at the Ambassador Theatre in New York, starting November 20, 1989.
1989: Continued Role in Coming of Age
Glynis Johns continued her role in the sitcom Coming of Age throughout 1989.
May 1990: End of The Circle Run
Glynis Johns's performance in The Circle on Broadway ended on May 20, 1990.
April 1991: Los Angeles Times Feature
Glynis Johns was featured in the Los Angeles Times in April 1991.
1991: Return to A Little Night Music
In 1991, Glynis Johns returned to A Little Night Music, this time playing Madame Armfeldt.
November 1994: The Secret Garden Appearance
On November 5, 1994, Glynis Johns appeared in The Secret Garden episode of ABC Weekend Specials.
1994: The Ref Release
Glynis Johns played Grandma Rose in the film The Ref, released in 1994.
1995: While You Were Sleeping Release
Glynis Johns played the grandmother in the film While You Were Sleeping, released in 1995.
July 1998: A Coffin in Egypt Premiere
Glynis Johns starred in the premiere of Horton Foote's A Coffin in Egypt at the Bay Street Theatre in June-July 1998.
1998: Disney Legend Award
Glynis Johns was named a Disney Legend in 1998.
1999: Superstar Release
Glynis Johns made her final film appearance in Superstar, released in 1999.
2004: Star Trek: Enterprise Cameo
A clip from "The Court Jester," featuring Glynis Johns, appeared in a 2004 episode of "Star Trek: Enterprise."
2007: Death of Gareth Forwood
Glynis Johns's son, Gareth Forwood, died in 2007 from a heart attack during cancer treatment.
2010: Death of David Foster
Glynis Johns's second husband, David Foster, died in 2010.
2020: Oldest Living Oscar Nominee
Following Olivia de Havilland's death in 2020, Glynis Johns became the oldest living Academy Award nominee in any acting category.
2021: Oldest Living Disney Legend
With Betty White's passing in 2021, Glynis Johns became the oldest living Disney Legend.
2023: Stage Fright
In a 2023 interview, Glynis Johns' grandson, Thomas, revealed that she struggled with stage fright throughout her career, which she learned to manage.
January 2024: Death of Glynis Johns
Glynis Johns passed away from natural causes on 4 January 2024, at the age of 100, in an assisted living home in Los Angeles.
