BY LEE PFEIFFER
Christopher Plummer, the world-acclaimed star of stage, screen and television, has passed away at age 91. Complications from a fall in his Connecticut home were cited as the cause of death. Plummer never had to make his way up the ranks on the big screen. He received prominent billing in his movie debut in Sidney Lumet's 1958 production of "Stage Struck"- and henceforth he would generally enjoy starring roles. Plummer moved with ease between films, stage and TV, earning critical plaudits along the way, as well as winning two Tony Awards and a late career Oscar for the film "Beginnings" in 2010. He was especially acclaimed for his work in Shakespearean productions in the U.S., England and Canada. Plummer, a native Canadian, became a legend by playing the male lead, Captain von Trapp, in the 1965 Oscar-winning film production of "The Sound of Music". Plummer was initially adamant that he wanted to sing the songs himself but ultimately conceded to having singer Bill Lee dub him in the final cut. Plummer professed to be overwhelmed by the magnitude of the movie's success and over the years made disparaging remarks about its sugary content. However, in later years, he seemed to warm to the film and participated in a reunion with the cast.
Plummer's many high profile film roles include "The Man Who Would Be King", "The Insider", "The Fall of the Roman Empire", "Night of the Generals", "Battle of Britain", "Waterloo", "Return of the Pink Panther", "The Silent Partner", "Somewhere in Time", "Murder by Decree", "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country", "A Beautiful Mind", "The Last Station", "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and the 2018 film "All the Money in the World", in which he was called in at the last minute to replace Kevin Spacey, whose footage had been excised. Plummer received an Oscar nomination for his performance. His last major film role was as an autocratic murder victim in the smash hit 2019 movie "Knives Out".
For more about his life and career, click here.