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Oscar-winning actor Christopher Plummer died on Feb. 5 at the age of 91. The star of stage and screen had a career lasting more than 70 years in roles ranging from the evil Iago in Shakespeare’s “Othello” to his role as Captain von Trapp in “The Sound of Music.”
“Chris was an extraordinary man who deeply loved and respected his profession with great old fashioned manners, self-deprecating humor and the music of words,” his manager and longtime friend Lou Pitts told CBS in a statement. “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.”
News of his death spread quickly and celebrities — those who worked with him and those inspired by him — shared their tributes and memories on social media.
Chris Evans, who starred with Plummer in the 2019 Netflix movie “Knives Out,” spoke of the actor’s longevity and his sense of personal loss upon hearing the news of Plummer’s death.
“This is truly heartbreaking. What an unbelievable loss,” Evans tweeted, saying he loved playing piano with Plummer while filming “Knives Out.”
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. ððð https://t.co/eFwNVe762w
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) February 5, 2021
Kathy Bates, who worked with Plummer in “Dolores Claiborne,” tweeted that Plummer was “one of the greats.”
#ChristopherPlummer. I had the pleasure of working with Christopher and crossing swords with him in Dolores Claiborne. A true craftsman. One of the greats. A lovely human being. “Good night, sweet prince. And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
— Kathy Bates (@MsKathyBates) February 6, 2021
Journalist Dan Rather paid tribute to Plummer by quoting one of the memorable tunes Plummer sang as Captain von Trapp, “Edelweiss”:
“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
Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada — where Plummer was born — offered his condolences on Twitter as well, writing that Plummer “always performed with gravitas and heart.”
We’ve lost one of our most iconic and beloved actors. From the Stratford Festival to "The Sound of Music" to "Star Trek," and countless other performances, Christopher Plummer gave life to so many characters we love and cherish – and always performed with gravitas and heart.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 5, 2021
And, of course, the lovely Julie Andrews, who co-starred with Plummer as Maria Von Trapp in “The Sound of Music,” shared heartfelt words at the passing of her beloved friend and colleague.
“The world has lost a consummate actor today, and I have lost a cherished friend,” Andrews, 85, said in a statement to People. “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.”
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