Christopher Plummer who starred as Captain von Trapp in the 1965 classic The Sound of Music, has passed away aged 91.
The Canadian-born star died at his home in Connecticut and leaves behind his wife of more than 50 years, Elaine Taylor, and daughter Amanda.
He appeared in over 200 films, TV shows and performances and won his first Academy Award at the age of 82 for his role in Beginners, becoming the oldest actor to win the Oscar. He also won two Tony Awards for his work on Broadway as well as two Emmys, a Golden Globe, A BAFTA and a SAG Award.
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His manager Lou Pitt shared the sad news in a statement to Variety.com:
“Chris was an extraordinary man who deeply loved and respected his profession with great old fashion manners, self-deprecating humour and the music of words. He was a National Treasure who deeply relished his Canadian roots. Through his art and humanity, he touched all of our hearts and his legendary life will endure for all generations to come.”
Fellow legendary actor Julie Andrews who starred opposite Plummer in The Sound of Music also released a statement about her friend and colleague:
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“The world has lost a consummate actor today and I have lost a cherished friend. I treasure the memories of our work together and all the humour and fun we shared through the years.”
Chris Evans who stars opposite Plummer in Knives Out (2019) describes him as a legendary talent:
“This is truly heartbreaking. What an unbelievable loss. Few careers have such longevity and impact. One of my favourite memories from Knives Out was playing piano together in the Thrombey house between set ups. He was a lovely man and a legendary talent.”
This is truly heartbreaking. What an unbelievable loss. Few careers have such longevity and impact. One of my favorite memories from Knives Out was playing piano together in the Thrombey house between set ups. He was a lovely man and a legendary talent. 💙💙💙 https://t.co/eFwNVe762w
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) February 5, 2021
Russell Crowe who worked with Plummer on The Insider (1999) and A Beautiful Mind (2001) posted a message on Twitter describing him as a fine actor who was worthy of more recognition:
“I loved working with Chris on The Insider, he was just impressive. It was a travesty that his role didn’t receive an Academy Award nomination because everyone talked about and knew that it was amongst the handful of truly formidable performances that year. We worked together again on A Beautiful Mind. Occasionally we would spend time together after work. He preferred one on one, a good drink, not just any drink. I appreciated his candour and wisdom….Rest in Peace Mr Plummer. Good man. Fine actor.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also posted a tribute on Twitter:
“We’ve lost one of our most iconic and beloved actors. From the Stratford Festival to “The Sound of Music” to “Star Trek” and countless other performances, Christopher Plummer gave life to so many characters we love and cherish – and always performed with gravitas and heart.
Ana De Armas shared a series of photos of them together on the set of Knives Out:
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“My heart is broken my dear Chris. I feel your loss deep inside. How lucky I was having you next to me in what’s been one of the best experiences of my career. Thank you always for your laughter, your warmth, your talent, your stories about Marilyn, the vitamins when I got sick, your patience, your partnership and your company. I will always think of you with love and admiration. Rest in Peace.
Fellow Knives Out co-star Jamie Lee Curtis also shared words of love for the legendary actor:
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“I made this portrait of Christopher Plummer the first day of filming @knivesout. As I played his eldest child, I wanted to connect a moment with him and I sat in the little study that he had as a room to wait in and we talked. I had very little work with him but we made a lovely connection. His work in that movie is full of life, love and longing. A beautiful portrayal. Honoured to have been able to work with him. A warm Aloha, Christopher.”
Actor Don Johnson shared a photo of Plummer sitting in front of a giant cake along with himself and Jamie Lee Curtis.
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“My Dear ol drinkin and runnin buddy….see ya on the other side. RIP,” he captioned the photo.