Oscar winning Christopher Plummer dies at 91, tributes pour in

The Oscar Winner and Sound Of Music star, Christopher Plummer has passed away at the age of 91, at his home in Connecticut today.

Born on December 13, 1929, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, veteran Hollywood actor Christopher Plummer grew up in Montreal as an only child. He first studied piano before devoting himself to acting. Plummer changed his mind after deciding that playing the piano professionally "was very lonely and very hard work."

A trained Shakespearean actor, Plummer began his Broadway career in the 1950s, appearing in several theatrical and screen productions before featuring as the lead actor in the famed musical movie - "The Sound of Music".

He won his first Tony Award in 1974 for his portrayal of the title character in Cyrano and picked up his first Emmy Award for the 1976 mini-series 'The Moneychangers', based on the novel by Arthur Hailey.

He also had several notable film roles including 'The Return of the Pink Panther' (1975) with Peter Sellers, 'The Man Who Would Be King' (1975) with Sean Connery and Michael Caine, and 'International Velvet' (1978) with Tatum O'Neal.

In the 1980s, he appeared on Broadway as Iago in 'Othello' (1982), and as the title character in 'Macbeth' (1988).

While his role in the "The Sound of Music" is arguably his most famous, Plummer was never much of a fan. He told 'People' in a 1982 interview, “To do a lousy part like von Trapp, you have to use every trick you know to fill the empty carcass of the role. That damn movie follows me around like an albatross.” Plummer did seem to soften later in life, writing in his 2008 memoir, 'In Spite of Myself', that he’d been a “pampered, arrogant young bastard,” spoiled by rich theatre roles, and that his “behaviour was unconscionable.”

In 2009, at the age of 80, Plummer earned his first Oscar nomination for playing Leo Tolstoy in 'The Last Station'.

Two years later, at the age of 82, when he won for his role in the 2010 film "Beginners," at the 84th Academy Awards, he held up his trophy and joked, “You’re only two years older than me, darling. Where have you been all my life? I have a confession to make. When I first emerged from my mother’s womb, I was already rehearsing my Academy thank you speech. But it was so long ago, mercifully for you, I’ve forgotten it.”

Plummer stayed remarkably busy well into his 80s, co-starring in 2019 hit murder-mystery "Knives Out." Other memorable roles included portraying newsman Mike Wallace in "The Insider," a Klingon general in "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country" and the voice of the villain in the Pixar animated movie "Up."

Condolences pour in

Tributes and remembrances poured in from all over the world for Oscar-winning Christopher Plummer who died today at 91.

Many have paid tribute including 'The Sound of Music' co-star Julia Andrews who said, “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. My heart and condolences go out to his lovely wife Elaine, and his daughter Amanda.”

Director Ridley Scott, who directed Plummer in 'All the Money in the World', said, “What a guy. What a talent. What a life. And I was fortunate enough to work with him less than 2 years ago and had a wonderful experience. My heartfelt condolences go to Elaine. He will be really missed.”

Daniel Craig, who worked with Plummer on one of his final films, 'Knives Out', said in a statement, “I’m deeply saddened by this news. Christopher Plummer was a lovely, charming man. I was humbled and incredibly fortunate to get the chance to work with him. He was a joy to be around. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.”

Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, "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."

(Edited by Ladiangti Rani)

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