Christopher Plummer, the actor known for his roles in The Sound of Music and other critically acclaimed films, has died. He was 91.
His family confirmed to Deadline that he died at his Connecticut home with wife Elaine Taylor by his side.
“Chris was an extraordinary man who deeply loved and respected his profession with great old fashion manners, self deprecating humor and the music of words,” Lou Pitt, his manager of 46 years, said in a statement to Us Weekly on Friday, February 5. “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. He will forever be with us.”
Plummer notably starred in the 1965 musical The Sound of Music, playing Captain von Trapp to Julie Andrews’ Maria von Trapp. The film won five Academy Awards the year after its release, including Best Picture.
The Canada native remained active in his career in the decades after his most well-known role. He went on to earn an Oscar — becoming the oldest actor to ever win at the awards show — and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor after starring in the 2011 film Beginners. He then received another nod in the category at the Academy Awards for 2017’s All the Money in the World. He later appeared in 2019’s Knives Out alongside a cast of A-listers that included Chris Evans, Daniel Craig and Ana de Armas.
Plummer’s work extended to television and the stage as well, with wins at the Tony Awards for Lead Actor – Musical in 1974 for Cyrano and Lead Actor – Play in 1997 for Barrymore. He racked up Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series in 1977 for Arthur Hailey’s The Moneychangers and Outstanding Voice-Over Performance in 1994 for The New Adventures of Madeline.
As for his personal life, he was married to the late Tammy Grimes from 1956 to 1960 and Patricia Lewis from 1962 to 1967. He wed Taylor, 77, in 1970. He is the father of actress Amanda Plummer, 63, whom he shared with Grimes.
Plummer opened up to Us about his lengthy career in November 2017 after he replaced Kevin Spacey in All the Money in the World. He noted at the time that he was determined to “play a great role” as billionaire J. Paul Getty. “I’m used to big roles and lots of words. I’m used to that. I’m trying to be as good as I can be.”