A look back at actor Christopher Plummer's most iconic roles

Transcript

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And a passing to note tonight. Award-winning actor Christopher Plummer died today at his home in Connecticut. During his nearly 70-year career, Plummer became known for a wide variety of roles that won him an Oscar, two Emmys and a pair of Tony Awards along the way.

Jeffrey Brown looks back on some of Plummer’s most iconic roles.

Jeffrey Brown: He was a leading Shakespearean actor throughout his life, but it was this role…

Christopher Plummer: As I sound your signals, you will step forward and give your names.

Jeffrey Brown: … as Captain von Trapp opposite Julie Andrews in the beloved 1965 film “Sound of Music” that catapulted Canadian-born actor Christopher Plummer to stardom.

He famously disparaged the part at first, but later came to terms with it and the success it brought. Plummer went on to star in a wide range of films, from Tolstoy in “The Last Station” to playing the voice of the villain in the cartoon film “Up.”

And he had an extraordinary film renaissance late in life.

Christopher Plummer: I’m gay.

Jeffrey Brown: His role in “Beginners” as a man who comes out as gay after 44 years of marriage made him the oldest actor to win an Oscar, at 82.

Christopher Plummer: My mother once predicted that I would have to wait to be a very old man before receiving recognition in our profession. She was absolutely right, of course.

Jeffrey Brown: He continued acting in recent years, starring in the crime thriller “All The money in the World” and in the 2019 film “Knives Out.”

Christopher Plummer died at his Connecticut home this morning after a blow to his head from a fall. He was 91 years old.

For the “PBS NewsHour,” I’m Jeffrey Brown