Christopher Plummer, Beginners and The Sound of Music Actor Who Set Oscar Age Records, Dies at 91

Christopher Plummer, a veteran actor whose roles spanned The Sound of Music to Knives Out, has died at age 91.

Announced by his agency, Plummer’s death followed an extraordinary career partially defined by its continued effectiveness despite its longevity. Plummer was a gripping performer until the end of his seven decades on stage and screen.

In fact, he was such a standout in this regard that he set multiple Oscar records: One for being the oldest actor to ever win a competitive Oscar (in 2012, for his supporting turn as a newly-open gay man in Beginners) at age 82, and another for being the oldest actor to ever be nominated (in 2018, for his last-minute supporting work replacing Kevin Spacey in All the Money in the World) at age 88.

Plummer’s younger days were just as acclaimed and prolific, with his standout role as The Sound of Music’s Captain Von Trapp making him a household figure. With over 200 acting credits to his name and scene-stealing appearances wherever you look—be they in The Insider, Malcolm X, Up or 12 Monkeys—Plummer was a force to be reckoned with. His intimidating ability for gruffness was either utilized on its surface or undermined in compelling ways, with Plummer gamely spanning high and lowbrow.