Christopher Plummer, a legendary Canadian actor, is widely regarded as one of the greatest thespians of all time. He has delivered outstanding performances in numerous films, including Murder by Decree, The Silent Partner, The Insider, A Beautiful Mind, Knives Out, and The Last Station, for which he received a Best Actor in a Supporting Role nomination from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
Born on December 13, 1929, in Toronto, Ontario, Plummer was the only child of Isabella Mary Abbott, a secretary, and John Orme Plummer, a securities salesman. He was a great-grandson of John Abbott, Canada's third Prime Minister, and a great-great-great-grandson of Presbyterian clergyman John Bethune.
Plummer was raised in Senneville, Quebec, near Montreal, at his maternal grandparents' home. He was particularly memorable as Hamlet, Iago, and Lear, and was known for his dynamic stage presence.
Despite his success on stage, Plummer struggled to connect with the screen in his early career. However, he excelled at character roles as he aged, earning him kudos for his portrayal of villains, including Lucifer in Archibald Macleish's Pulitzer Prize-winning "J.B."
Throughout his career, Plummer won numerous awards, including two Emmy Awards, one Genie Award, and two Tony Awards. He was also nominated for several Academy Awards, winning one for his role in Beginners.
Plummer was married three times, including to his third wife Elaine Taylor, a dancer, whom he credited with helping him overcome his dependency on alcohol. He lived with her on a 30-acre estate in Weston, Connecticut, where he spent the majority of his time.
Plummer is survived by his daughter, actress Amanda Plummer, and his wife Elaine. He passed away on February 5, 2021, at the age of 91.
