Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
jacobsnchz14
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/13/06
#1Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/5/21 at 1:02pm
Christopher Plummer, Canadian-born Shakespearean actor who starred in films including “The Sound of Music” and “Beginners,” died at his home in Connecticut. He was 91.
An imposing theatrical presence with a well-cultivated, resonant voice that, critic John Simon once observed, “in its chamois mode, can polish mirrors,” Plummer was best known for playing Captain Von Trapp in the Oscar-winning musical “The Sound of Music.” He also won an Oscar in 2012 for his supporting turn in the film “Beginners,” becoming the oldest actor ever to win the Academy Award for supporting actor.
https://variety.com/2021/film/news/christopher-plummer-dead-sound-of-music-1234901760
#2Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/5/21 at 1:09pmWhat an absolute towering talent as an actor! May he Rest In Peace...
Sutton Ross
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/20/13
#3Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/5/21 at 1:12pm
Simply the best. Rest in Peace you absolute legend. 
#4Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/5/21 at 1:15pm
RIP to another great one.
Apparently Plummer hated The Sound of Music so much he started calling it The Sound of Mucus and S&M. I'm sure a lot of us know he did not really sing in the movie.
Oh look, a bibu!
degrassifan
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/23/08
#5Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/5/21 at 1:42pm
This one hurts. RIP. So Long, Farewell, Captain.
sabrelady
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/16/03
#6Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/5/21 at 1:52pm
Au revoir le premier etoilé.
Et que des vols d'anges te conduisent en chantant à ton repos.
#7Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/5/21 at 1:54pm
One of the greatest actors Canada has ever given to the world. As a Canadian, he was someone I was wanted to be.
"Ok ok ok ok ok ok ok. Have you guys heard about fidget spinners!?" ~Patti LuPone
sabrelady
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/16/03
#8Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/5/21 at 1:54pm
The obit has 2 things wrong- Munz in UP! is the explorer/villain. His widow is Elaine Taylor.
MysteriousLady
Understudy Joined: 10/24/20
#9Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/5/21 at 2:41pm
Jordan Levinson said: "RIP to another great one.
Apparently Plummer hatedThe Sound of Musicso much he started calling itThe Sound of MucusandS&M. I'm sure a lot of us know he did not really sing in the movie."
In his memoir he talks about being forced to sit through "S&M" many years later. He was surprised how good it was and said he felt proud to be a part of it.
#10Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/5/21 at 3:44pm
MysteriousLady said: "Jordan Levinson said: "RIP to another great one.
Apparently Plummer hatedThe Sound of Musicso much he started calling itThe Sound of MucusandS&M. I'm sure a lot of us know he did not really sing in the movie."
In his memoir he talks about being forced to sit through "S&M" many years later. He was surprised how good it was and said he felt proud to be a part of it."
This is true. He made amends with the film ages ago and was always on board for its many anniversary reunions. RIP. So long, farewell dear Captain.
#11Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/5/21 at 3:52pm
*sigh* He'll be missed.
#12Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/5/21 at 3:55pm
Jordan Levinson said: "RIP to another great one.
Apparently Plummer hatedThe Sound of Musicso much he started calling itThe Sound of MucusandS&M. I'm sure a lot of us know he did not really sing in the movie."
He came around to loving the movie.
BCfitasafiddle
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/25/20
#13Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/5/21 at 4:26pm
By the the 45th anniversary and 50th anniversary celebrations, you could tell how much it really had meant to him. That was one of the tightest film casts I've ever seen. Watching tonight in his honor. Still is one of the greatest movie musicals ever made.
So long, farewell...
#14Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/5/21 at 6:36pm
In an interview clip they are running on a lot of stations he says he didn't hate it. He called it that just for some levity. He thought that making such a heartfelt movie needed to have a little bit of fun while making it. (I paraphrased)
Just give the world Love.
#15Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/5/21 at 9:48pm
Gosh it seems a number of talented actors have passed in the last few months. RIP. We will miss you.....
#16Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/5/21 at 9:50pmAh may he Rest In Peace. Always wanted to see him live in a play but never got the chance to do so. I didn’t know he was in Inherit the Wind revival on Broadway back in 2007. That looks like his last role on Bway.
Stage Door Sally
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/4/09
#17Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/6/21 at 2:34pm
I agree with everyone who says this one hurts. I had the pleasure to interview Christopher Plummer numerous times over the years, and dine with him in his home with Elaine. He lived for the theater. I once asked him when he planned on retiring, and he firmly stated, "Never!"
If Covid hadn't closed things down, I bet he'd be engaged in a number of projects.
As for Sound of Music, he admitted he behaved terribly on the set — staying in a village away from the rest of the cast, hammering as many chambermaids as he could, eating and drinking so much that he put on weight and nearly got fired, etc... (and there is a lot of etc). He later atoned and apologized to Julie for having to carry the film by herself. They later became friends.
Plummer was generous to the local community, participating numerous times (for free) in a film series at the Ridgefield Playhouse. A couple appearances I attended were screenings of his films Remember and Man in the Chair where he and the directors of the films participated in lively post-film discussions.
A few things I observed about Christopher Plummer:
His favorite role was John Barrymore in Barrymore.
Although he lived in the U.S. for many years, he was Canadian, don't even suggest otherwise.
He loved Natalie Wood and has a photo of her next to his Oscar for Beginners.
He could be quite charming and whimsical. He has a watercolor jungle scene on the walls of his living room, featuring a sly monkey holding a key, which I suspect represented him.
He credited his wife Elaine for curbing him off hard liquor and saving his life.
He didn't suffer fools. If you hadn't done your homework before interviewing him, don't bother. He once hung up on the air on two radio personalities who hadn't watched a video he sent them that he wanted to discuss.
I wish:
The Tempest transferred from the Stratford Shakespeare Festival to Broadway. Not only was Plummer magnificent as Prospero, the supporting cast was outstanding and really clicked. It's our loss (though it can be seen on video). I guess Des McAnuff had other things on his mind at the time.
Jarethan
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/10/11
#18Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/6/21 at 3:28pm
Plummer gave one of the greatest performances that I have ever seen in a musical in Cyrano, for which he won a Tony. Unfortunately, the show -- which IMO has a great cast album -- did not succeed and closed after 80ish performances.
I first saw him in The Royal Hunt of the Sun when I was about 15 years old. I was too young to appreciate the point of the play, but it was visually stunning, and he and David Carradine (in the showier role) were both terrific. After seeing that play, I just assumed all straight plays had casts of 30.a
My favorite dramatic Plummer performances were as John Barrymore, which was a great productio,n and as Clarence Darrow in Inherit the Wind; for that one, I was seated on stage and really saw him perform up close. It was a great experience.
#19Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/6/21 at 3:34pm
In addition to all the stuff mentioned, I loved Plummer in Knives Out. He really elevated every scene he was in.
#20Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/6/21 at 3:45pm
My only memory of Plummer onstage was in CYRANO back in '74. He was such a charismatic and handsome leading man in the role that the main conceit of the play (he needed an even handsomer front to woo his true love) never made sense. Nonetheless it was a lovely musical which I vaguely recall being so dimly lit, I have virtually no memories of the stage sets.
Also credit to him and ex-wife Tammy Grimes for bringing into the world the superb actress Amanda Plummer.
#21Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/6/21 at 10:27pm
Stage Door Sally said: "I agree with everyone who says this one hurts. I had the pleasure to interview Christopher Plummer numerous times over the years, and dine with him in his home with Elaine. He lived for the theater. I once asked him when he planned on retiring, and he firmly stated, "Never!"
If Covid hadn't closed things down, I bethe'd be engaged in a number of projects.
As for Sound of Music, he admitted he behaved terribly on the set — stayingin a village away from the rest of the cast, hammeringas many chambermaids ashe could, eating and drinking so much that he put on weight and nearly got fired, etc...(and there is a lot of etc).He later atonedand apologized to Julie for having tocarrythe film by herself. They laterbecame friends.
Plummer was generous to thelocal community, participating numerous times (for free) in a film series at the Ridgefield Playhouse. A couple appearances I attended were screenings of his films Remember and Man in the Chair where he and thedirectors of the films participated in lively post-film discussions.
A few things I observed about Christopher Plummer:
His favorite role was John Barrymore in Barrymore.
Although he lived in the U.S. for many years, he was Canadian, don't even suggest otherwise.
He loved Natalie Wood and has a photo of her next to his Oscar for Beginners.
He couldbe quite charming and whimsical. He has a watercolor jungle scene on the walls of his living room, featuring a sly monkey holding a key, which I suspect represented him.
He creditedhis wife Elaine for curbing him off hard liquor and saving his life.
He didn't suffer fools. If you hadn't done your homework before interviewing him, don't bother. He oncehung up on the air on two radio personalities who hadn't watched a video he sent them that he wanted to discuss.
I wish:
The Tempest transferred from the Stratford Shakespeare Festival to Broadway. Not only was Plummer magnificent as Prospero, the supporting cast was outstanding and really clicked. It's our loss (though it can be seen on video). I guess Des McAnuff had other things on hismind at the time."
Wow, wow, wow, wow! Thanks for sharing this info with us! My favorite actress is Natalie Wood and the fact that he held her in such high esteem and kept a photo of her next to his Oscar truly touched me. They were great together in "Inside Daisy Clover"...what a class act...he will be missed, but not forgotten.
Again, thanks for sharing all this with us. AMAZING!
#22Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/7/21 at 9:31am
I recall reading an article on how Plummer initially didn't want the Captain Von Trapp role since in the stage version he barely spoke.
I never saw the Broadway version of Sound of Music but apparently for the movie they gave him more lines/scenes. Also, he was age 34 during filming in 1964. I thought he looked like he was in his 40s!
#23Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/7/21 at 12:44pm
Stage Door Sally said: "I agree with everyone who says this one hurts. I had the pleasure to interview Christopher Plummer numerous times over the years, and dine with him in his home with Elaine. He lived for the theater. I once asked him when he planned on retiring, and he firmly stated, "Never!"
If Covid hadn't closed things down, I bethe'd be engaged in a number of projects.
As for Sound of Music, he admitted he behaved terribly on the set — stayingin a village away from the rest of the cast, hammeringas many chambermaids ashe could, eating and drinking so much that he put on weight and nearly got fired, etc...(and there is a lot of etc).He later atonedand apologized to Julie for having tocarrythe film by herself. They laterbecame friends.
Plummer was generous to thelocal community, participating numerous times (for free) in a film series at the Ridgefield Playhouse. A couple appearances I attended were screenings of his films Remember and Man in the Chair where he and thedirectors of the films participated in lively post-film discussions.
A few things I observed about Christopher Plummer:
His favorite role was John Barrymore in Barrymore.
Although he lived in the U.S. for many years, he was Canadian, don't even suggest otherwise.
He loved Natalie Wood and has a photo of her next to his Oscar for Beginners.
He couldbe quite charming and whimsical. He has a watercolor jungle scene on the walls of his living room, featuring a sly monkey holding a key, which I suspect represented him.
He creditedhis wife Elaine for curbing him off hard liquor and saving his life.
He didn't suffer fools. If you hadn't done your homework before interviewing him, don't bother. He oncehung up on the air on two radio personalities who hadn't watched a video he sent them that he wanted to discuss.
I wish:
The Tempest transferred from the Stratford Shakespeare Festival to Broadway. Not only was Plummer magnificent as Prospero, the supporting cast was outstanding and really clicked. It's our loss (though it can be seen on video). I guess Des McAnuff had other things on hismind at the time."
Thanks so much for this. My understanding from books and articles on the film (and they could be wrong) is that Plummer was at first eager to do the film because he was then going to do Cyrano on Broadway, and it would be a warm up. But apart from the role itself (which is clearly a supporting role--it's Maria's show, obviously) it was really learning that he was going to be dubbed that made him antagonistic. He apparently said it was emasculating, in a way. And even though there was a contractual agreement that he could keep working on his voice over course of filming, and iff he improved, they'd put his own vocals in, he just got angry and drank and behaved badly. None of it shows up in his superb performance.
Alex Kulak2
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/11/16
#24Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/7/21 at 2:03pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obEm1Mqm7C0
Here's Christopher Plummer singing "Edelweiss" in The Sound of Music (this clip is Plummer singing, not his vocal double).
Coincidentally, "Edelweiss" was the last song Oscar Hammerstein II wrote before he died.
CT2NYC
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/7/17
#25Christopher Plummer, TSOM film Von Trapp, has died at 91
Posted: 2/7/21 at 2:31pm
FYI, if anyone would like to revisit his Oscar-winning role in Beginners, it's on HBO Max.
