Mary Poppins actor Glynis Johns speaks out as she turns 100

Cast your mind back to 1938 – can you remember what you were up to? No? Me neither, since most of us weren’t alive.

But while we were busy waiting to be conceived, Glynis Johns was earning her first acting credit in the romance-drama film “South Riding.”

Over the following decades, the actor went on to appear in dozens of titles across both film and television, including the 1964 version of “Mary Poppins,” in which she played Mrs. Banks, as well as the Batman series and “Murder, She Wrote.”

Her career has seen her nominated for an Oscar for her performance in the 1960 film “The Sundowners,” and she’s also been awarded a Tony for her work in “A Little Night Music.”

Today (5 October), Glynis celebrates her 100th birthday, and she spoke with ABC 7 to reflect on her life and career.

Recalling her time on “A Little Night Music,” she said: “I got applause for that. I loved doing it. I felt it.”

The actor’s most recent credits came in the 1990s, when she starred alongside Sandra Bullock in “While You Were Sleeping,” before joining Molly Shannon to play her grandmother in the 1999 film “Superstar.”

Decades after she first stepped onto the screen, Glynis shared her thoughts on turning 100 years old – though for her, it’s all just a part of life.

“It doesn’t make any difference to me,” she said, adding: “Well, I looked very good for every age.”

When told her work would always be around to entertain fans, Glynis added: “What a lovely thought. That’s what I hoped.”

Glynis’ milestone birthday prompted her grandson, Thomas Forwood, to declare that his grandmother deserved to be recognized for her achievements by receiving the British title of a Dame.

Speaking to MailOnline last week, Forwood said: “I am so delighted that my grandmother is set to make it to this landmark birthday and we send her many congratulations.

“Glynis enjoyed a fabulous career over many decades during which she showed her immense talent and versatility in a range of parts on screen and stage.

“Almost everyone will have seen her work and be familiar with her face and voice – she’s in so many pieces that people hold dear.

“Everyone in the family is immensely proud of her achievements.

“It would be fitting on this occasion for the UK government to formally acknowledge her cultural contribution by making her a Dame.”

Glynis, who now lives in a retirement care home in Beverly Hills, received a flood of birthday messages from well-wishers as she marked the occasion today.