
Refresh for updates… Christopher Plummer’s The Sound of Music costar Julie Andrews has joined those paying tribute to the late actor, saying in a statement, “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 humor and fun we shared through the years. My heart and condolences go out to his lovely wife Elaine, and his daughter Amanda.”
Though Plummer often lamented being known most widely for his portrayal of the musical’s Capt. von Trapp, Ted Chapin, president of the Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization, said today that the Oscar-winning actor eventually came to embrace the legacy, thanks in large part to costar Andrews.
“Christopher Plummer was, well, the Captain,” Chapin said in a statement. “Although he had a love/not-so-much relationship with his role in The Sound of Music, he gradually came around to realizing that he might as well embrace the movie and his performance in it. On some of the movie’s anniversaries, he was coaxed to join in, and no one did the coaxing better than Julie Andrews. I shall miss the gatherings when I was often on ‘Chris’ duty, keeping him amused while, for example, Annie Leibovitz prepared for the anniversary photo. I shall miss him greatly, but I’m so glad his contribution to the Rodgers and Hammerstein legacy will live on.”
Tributes and remembrances poured in from all over the world for Oscar-winning Plummer who died today at 91.
Director Ridley Scott, who directed Plummer in All the Money in the World, said today, “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.”
Fellow Oscar-winner Helen Mirren said of Plummer, “I had the great honour to work with Chris Plummer in his Oscar nominated role of Tolstoy. He was a mighty force both as Man and Actor. He was an actor in the 19th century meaning of the word—his commitment to his profession. His art was total, theater being a constant and the most important part of the totality of his drive to engage with storytelling. He was fearless, energetic, courageous, knowledgeable, professional and a monument to what an actor can be. A Great Actor in the truest sense.”
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.”
Craig’s collaborators on the film, including Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Don Johnson and director Rian Johnson posted their thoughts online. Jamie Lee Curtis shared a beautiful portrait she made of Plummer on the set.
Director Taylor Hackford said today that he was having a tough time making the aristocratic Plummer look rumpled for his role in 1994’s Dolores Claiborne. The actor himself came up with the solution:
Chris Plummer knew every acting trick in the book – and many that weren’t even in the book. When we were making Dolores Claiborne together in Nova Scotia with Kathy Bates & Jennifer Jason Leigh, I was having a terrible time getting my costume designer, Shay Cunliffe, to find an old rumpled suit to match the haggard, ruthless character Chris was playing, Inspector John Mackie. She had put 3 or 4 terrible suits on him, but each time he looked like a million buck$. Finally, I said: ‘Shay, why can’t you make this character looked like the rumpled, old cop I envision?’ Deeply frustrated, she said she’d picked the worst suits she’d ever seen. Chris walked over to me and whispered: ‘Taylor, it’s impossible for me to look bad in a suit – that’s just the way I’m built. But let me do something that will change all that – I’ll break my nose.’ While Shay & I stood there confused, Chris went into the make-up trailer, took an eye-brow pencil and drew a line across his perfect nose, expertly shading it into a deep and vicious scar. Immediately, his appearance changed dramatically – that old suit looked thread-bare and baggy – his face became haggard and hawk-like. My desired image of Inspector John Mackie suddenly materialized before my eyes. Chris Plummer always knew what to do to perfect a role – he and Kathy Bates went on to trade acting blows brilliantly – both delivering the definition of consummate acting.
One of Plummer’s passions was the Westport Country Playhouse. He had been associated with the theater since appearing there in 1953. He was board of trustees, and championed the Playhouse’s 2005 renovation.
In a statement, Anne Keefe, Playhouse associate artist said:
The entire Playhouse family is deeply saddened at the loss of one of our staunchest supporters. Chris Plummer appeared as an actor at the Playhouse in the ‘50s, but as soon as Joanne Woodward got involved, Chris was all in. He was a member of our initial Artistic Advisory Board, he appeared in our 9/11 tribute For the Children, and he christened the newly renovated Playhouse’s stage in 2005 with his brilliant A Word or Two, Before You Go as the first actor to perform on the renovated stage. He went on to be an active board member and an ardent supporter of everything Playhouse. We send our love to his wonderful wife Elaine and his daughter Amanda. He will always be center stage in our hearts.
Also remembering the Sound of Music actor were filmmaker Edgar Wright, who shared the newly popular gif of Plummer’s Capt. Von Trapp ripping a Nazi flag, as well as colleagues from the Star Trek universe, remembering the actor’s bravura turn as a Klingon commander in The Undiscovered County.
Deadline will update this post as more remembrances arrive…
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
RIP to Christopher Plummer, a living legend who loved his craft, and was an absolute gentleman. So lucky to have shared a set with him. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hNPbTM6Gxw
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) February 5, 2021
Oh man – RIP Christopher Plummer – one of the all time greats. Was lucky enough to work with him – and all I could think about was I can’t believe I’m working with Christopher Plummer – hilarious gentleman -witty , generous wildly talented .
— John Cusack (@johncusack) February 5, 2021
Truly one of the world’s greatest. I had the thrill of seeing his Iago opposite James Earl Jones’ Othello. Unforgettable. Rest In Peace sir. ♥️ #christopherplummer https://t.co/hk6IRRIQ0r
— Phil Rosenthal (@PhilRosenthal) February 5, 2021
“Blossom of snow, may you bloom and grow, bloom and grow forever.” RIP Christopher Plummer. You lit up screen and stage over a lifetime of art. My thoughts are with your family and friends.
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) February 5, 2021
What a legend. What a loss. Thank you, Mr. Plummer. https://t.co/8aqsyBOwpW
— dan levy (@danjlevy) February 5, 2021
So sad to hear that Christopher Plummer has passed. What a legend.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) February 5, 2021
Too many great talents leaving us. First saw Christopher Plummer in Sound of Music and relished every moment of his work ever since. An actor’s actor and from all accounts a great gentleman. #ripchristoperplummer
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) February 5, 2021
#TheSoundofMusic is my favorite movie. Not because the main character is named Maria… well, ok, maybe. But the lessons in it are deep, as is the love. #solongfarewellchristopherplummer pic.twitter.com/HTUiDR5TPG
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) February 5, 2021
Sad day losing Christopher Plummer. The Sound of Music had such an impact on me. YEARS ago I recorded a little version of “Edelweiss” with some friends one night because it remains one of my favorite songs in this world. He was an incredible actor, but his voice… 💔🙌🏼😭 pic.twitter.com/G3FXr3Noja
— MAREN MORRIS (@MarenMorris) February 5, 2021
'Beginners' is one of my favorite movies and one of Christopher Plummer's best performances. Gonna watch again tonight.
— Natalie Morales (@nataliemorales) February 5, 2021
One of the many reasons to love #ChristopherPlummer.
We watched the #SoundOfMusic so much when I was a boy that he and the Von Trapps felt like family. Rest In Peace, legend. 🙏🏼 https://t.co/Nc1EfvFQ7q— Daniel Dae Kim (@danieldaekim) February 5, 2021
Rest In Peace Christopher Plummer and love to Amanda.
— ✌🏼rosanna arquette (@RoArquette) February 5, 2021
RIP Christopher Plummer. Brilliant actor and truly a great human. I had to rough him up in this movie and he insisted on doing it himself instead of a stunt man. Legend pic.twitter.com/ydWmp6Xoof
— Dean Norris (@deanjnorris) February 5, 2021
Julie Andrews & Christopher Plummer (Rosie O'donnell interview 2000/01/21) https://t.co/J4Pqwkkvn8 via @YouTube – heartbroken 💔- – rest in peace captain von trap #christopherplummerRIP
— ROSIE (@Rosie) February 5, 2021
Who will save us now? pic.twitter.com/b2hdqrOJvW
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) February 5, 2021
Rest in Peace, Christopher Plummer 💔 https://t.co/GzqmE3Bwds
— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) February 5, 2021
RIP Christopher Plummer… ❤ His brilliance will be terribly missed. 🙏 Click to watch this master at work. It's worth 5 minutes, for real: https://t.co/y5STGNbssa pic.twitter.com/7bL0Ivy9C4
— Danica McKellar (@danicamckellar) February 5, 2021
I’m so glad I got to see this consummate actor on stage. Christopher Plummer was always interesting and in command, but never afraid to reveal the depths. Sending love to @amberstwyth 🖤 pic.twitter.com/uktuR2bZyR
— Dana Delany (@DanaDelany) February 5, 2021
Christopher Plummer… one of the greats. <3 pic.twitter.com/Nv0ANVQeWf
— Joseph Gordon-Levitt (@hitRECordJoe) February 5, 2021
We're saddened to hear of the passing of Christopher Plummer. A true legend, and one that left a mark on our franchise with an incredible villain in General Chang. RIP. pic.twitter.com/Pgo0i9q5Mw
— Discovery Writers (@StarTrekRoom) February 5, 2021
The Sound of Music is a sad one today as Christopher Plummer has left us today. He was giant of stage and screen, winner of an Academy Award for “Beginners.” He died at age 91 with his wife of 53 years, Elaine Taylor, by his side. Rest in eternal music, Captain Von Trapp.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) February 5, 2021
Christopher Plummer in Royal Hunt of The Sun pic.twitter.com/yNDpKCIC83
— Laraine Newman (@larainenewman) February 5, 2021
So sad to hear about the passing of #ChristopherPlummer . I was lucky enough to work with him on the exception and it was like watching a master class. He had nothing to prove anymore so he was completely free, kind, funny mischievous & beautiful to watch. RIP
— Eddie Marsan (@eddiemarsan) February 5, 2021
Christopher Plummer beguiled audiences across generations in memorable roles from Captain von Trapp in "The Sound of Music" to Harlan Thrombey in "Knives Out." He worked steadily for 60+ years, winning a Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 2012 for "Beginners." He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/Mu6KRJTk7P
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) February 5, 2021
We're saddened to hear of Christopher Plummer’s passing. His legacy as our Captain will live on in THE SOUND OF MUSIC forever. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this time.♥️ pic.twitter.com/hDV3q1opzJ
— The Sound of Music (@SoundofMusic) February 5, 2021
Honoring the legacy and career of a true Hollywood legend. Rest in peace, Christopher Plummer. pic.twitter.com/3Bl6NTV0pc
— Warner Bros. (@WBHomeEnt) February 5, 2021
We’re deeply saddened to hear of the great Christopher Plummer's passing. An early supporter of Sam Wanamaker, and a Patron of our US & Canadian Globe centres, he illuminated the world's understanding of Shakespeare through his many memorable performances. He will be truly missed pic.twitter.com/J2bbZVQWyc
— Shakespeare's Globe (@The_Globe) February 5, 2021
We’re sorry to hear of the death of Christopher Plummer. Making amazing work since the ‘50s, he was BAFTA nominated for All the Money in the World and won in 2012 for Beginners. pic.twitter.com/zwZFGPcIaJ
— BAFTA (@BAFTA) February 5, 2021
The SAG Awards mourns the loss of Christopher Plummer. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time. pic.twitter.com/KtLpF3Yaa5
— SAG Awards® (@SAGawards) February 5, 2021
Pixar remembers Christopher Plummer, who as Charles Muntz in Up, taught us that “adventure is out there.” Rest in peace, good friend. pic.twitter.com/FzvjPeVraf
— Pixar (@Pixar) February 5, 2021
Christopher Plummer was a one-of-a-kind talent who left an immeasurable presence throughout the industry. We were lucky to work with him and be a part of his incredible legacy. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/6KDNqOPlRt
— Sony Pictures (@SonyPictures) February 5, 2021
Farewell to a titan of stage and screen. Christopher Plummer was an unmatched talent. We are forever grateful for his contributions to cinema & theatre. May his work inspire generations. pic.twitter.com/FlDOIRT8yG
— Tribeca (@Tribeca) February 5, 2021
If I live to be 91 maybe I’ll have time to fully appreciate all the great work of Christopher Plummer. #ripChristopherPlummer
— Dave Foley (@DaveSFoley) February 5, 2021
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