The Actor
Christopher Plummer
Christopher Plummer, born Arthur Christopher Orme Plummer on December 13, 1929, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was a distinguished Canadian actor whose career spanned over six decades. Plummer was renowned for his versatility, commanding presence, and consummate skill both on stage and screen.
Stage career
Plummer's early career was marked by his performances in Shakespearean theater, earning him critical acclaim and establishing him as one of Canada's foremost stage actors. He made his Broadway debut in 1954 and quickly gained recognition for his performances in productions such as "The Lark" (1955) and "J.B." (1958), for which he won a Tony Award.
Role in the movie
In the realm of film, Plummer's breakout role came with his portrayal of Captain von Trapp in the iconic movie "The Sound of Music" (1965), a role for which he remains widely recognized. Despite the movie's immense popularity, Plummer often expressed mixed feelings about being typecast due to his association with the character.
Further career
Throughout his career, Plummer showcased his remarkable range as an actor, tackling a diverse array of roles in films such as "The Man Who Would Be King" (1975), "Murder by Decree" (1979), and "The Insider" (1999). He received widespread acclaim and numerous awards for his performance as Leo Tolstoy in "The Last Station" (2009), including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
In addition to his work in film and theater, Plummer was also a prolific voice actor, lending his distinctive voice to animated films, documentaries, and audiobooks.
Christopher Plummer's legacy extends far beyond his extensive body of work. He was widely respected by peers and audiences alike for his talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his craft. His passing in 2021 marked the end of an era in the world of acting, but his contributions to the arts continue to be celebrated and cherished by generations of fans.
Did you know?
At the start of filming in March 1964, Christopher Plummer was 34 years old - significantly younger than the 47-year-old Captain Georg von Trapp, the character he portrayed in the movie. Despite the age difference, Plummer convincingly stepped into the role and captivated audiences with his powerful and authentic performance.
Christopher Plummer and his co-star Julie Andrews first met in 1964 at the start of filming. As the production went on, their working relationship grew into a genuine friendship that lasted for many years until Christopher Plummer passed in 2021. During filming, he described Julie Andrews as “the nicest and most professional woman in show business” and stated in several interviews how much he valued working with her. Their unique chemistry was clearly reflected on screen. In many scenes, their deep and friendly connection is especially noticeable and gives the film its unique charm that still resonates with audiences today.
Although Christopher Plummer had a strong speaking voice, his singing voice didn’t quite meet the producers’ expectations in terms of vocal control and range. As a result, they decided to have most of Captain Georg von Trapp’s singing parts dubbed by Bill Lee, an experienced studio vocalist. If you listen closely, however, you can still hear a few brief moments of Christopher Plummer’s own singing voice - such as during the “lead-in“ to Edelweiss.
Over time, Christopher Plummer’s view of The Sound of Music changed considerably. Although he was initially skeptical about the film and felt his character was too flat and uninteresting, he always held great respect for his fellow cast members during production. As the years went by, his appreciation for the movie grew. He came to recognize its cultural significance and the deep connection it had created with audiences around the world. Reflecting on its legacy at the film’s 50th anniversary, he described it with a smile: “It’s like a lovely, old friend that you’re fond of – but still tease once in a while.”