Johns was born in Pietermaritzburg and grew up in South Africa, where his parents had emigrated, and after serving in the South African navy during World War II, Johns worked for a time in accountancy, but soon became involved in amateur theatre.
Johns was born in Pietermaritzburg. Johns grew up in South Africa. His parents had emigrated. Johns worked for a time in accountancy. Johns soon became involved in amateur theatre. Johns was serving in the South African navy during World War II.