Glynis Johns, one of the world’s oldest actors and a true legend of the Golden Age of Hollywood, is celebrating her centenary on October 5th. With a career that includes 30 plays, 60 films, and numerous awards, she is truly a remarkable talent.
Despite her immense contributions to the entertainment industry, Glynis believes that she has not received the recognition she deserves. Unlike other entertainers, she has been overlooked for a prestigious British title. Now, as she approaches her 100th birthday, her family is calling on the government to rectify this oversight.
Born on October 5, 1923, Glynis Johns started captivating audiences in the 1930s on theater stages across London. She made her big screen debut in 1938 and went on to star in countless films, including classics like “Miranda” (1948), “The Sundowners” (1960), and “The Chapman Report” (1962). Throughout her career, she shared the screen with iconic actors such as Frank Sinatra, Roger Moore, Deborah Kerr, Richard Attenborough, Jane Fonda, and Christopher Plummer.
Not only did she excel in films, but Glynis also made appearances in several TV series, including “Glynis,” “Batman,” “Cheers,” “The Love Boat,” and “Murder She Wrote.” Her talent and versatility transcended genres, cementing her status as a beloved star.
Despite her remarkable achievements, Glynis, unlike many of her British actress counterparts, has never been honored with the title of Dame, which is equal to Knighthood. Her family believes it’s time to change that.
“I am thrilled that my grandmother will reach this incredible milestone, and we congratulate her,” says her grandson, Thomas Forwood. “Glynis had an amazing career that showcased her immense talent and versatility. Her face and voice are familiar to so many people because of the wonderful roles she portrayed.”
Forwood, a screenwriter based in Paris, adds, “It would be a fitting tribute for the UK government to formally acknowledge her cultural contributions by making her a Dame.”
Glynis’s grandson isn’t the only one advocating for her. British Labour MP Chris Bryant has also championed her cause, stating, “Glynis undoubtedly deserves recognition for her stellar and enduring career on both stage and screen. She stands alongside some of the greatest actors of her time, including Angela Lansbury, Judi Dench, Joan Collins, and Maggie Smith.”
As Glynis enjoys her retirement in a care home in Beverly Hills, she still carries the support and admiration of fans worldwide. Online users are echoing their rallying cry for her Damehood, expressing their love and appreciation for this living legend.
In her 100th year, Glynis’s grandson believes she is more than deserving of joining the esteemed company of Dames, alongside the likes of Joan Collins, Penelope Keth, Maureen Lipman, and the late Olivia de Haviland.
“I can’t fathom how this hasn’t happened yet. Glynis is an absolute treasure!” exclaims one netizen, while another says, “This shouldn’t even be a petition. It should have been granted long ago. Glynis is a living legend.”
As we celebrate Glynis Johns’ 100th birthday, let’s rally around this incredible actor and voice our support for her Damehood. It would be the perfect gift to honor her outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.
