Friday morning at his home in Connecticut with his wife, Elaine Taylor, by his side,
Arthur Christopher Orme Plummer was a Canadian actor whose career spanned seven decades. From his Broadway debut in 1954 to an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor at the age of 82 for Beginners in 2010, Plummer was known primarily as the dashing award-winning actor who played Captain von Trapp.
His family confirmed the news, saying he died peacefully at home in Connecticut with his wife of 53 years, Elaine Taylor, by his side. His wife said the cause was a blow to the head as a result of a fall.
“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. He will forever be with us.”
Along with becoming the oldest person to win an Oscar, Plummer also won a pair of Emmys and two Tonys during a nearly 70-year career. Plummer went on to earn Academy Award nominations for The Last Station and All the Money in the World, and won the Oscar in 2012 for Beginners. His credits included A Beautiful Mind, 12 Monkeys, Malcolm X and Knives Out, among numerous others.
Tributes, of course, have been rolling in from across the world.
“What a guy. What a talent. What a life,” said Ridley Scott in a statement. “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.”
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
"So sad to hear that Christopher Plummer has passed. What a legend," said Elijah Wood.
Sound of Music co-star Julie Andrews paid tribute to Christopher Plummer: "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."
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
RIP Christopher Plummer, 91.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 5, 2021
Sound of Music star and a wonderful actor. Sad news. pic.twitter.com/okCC7MA7Bl