History of Christopher Plummer in Timeline
Christopher Plummer was a highly acclaimed Canadian actor with a career spanning seven decades. He achieved the 'Triple Crown of Acting' with an Academy Award, two Tony Awards, and two Primetime Emmy Awards, making him the only Canadian to do so. He also won a BAFTA Award, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award, and was nominated for a Grammy Award, solidifying his status as a versatile and celebrated performer across film, stage, and television.
December 13, 1929: Birth of Christopher Plummer
On December 13, 1929, Arthur Christopher Orme Plummer was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He later became a renowned Canadian actor with a career spanning seven decades.
1944: Inspired by Laurence Olivier's Henry V
In 1944, Christopher Plummer watched Laurence Olivier's film 'Henry V', which inspired him to pursue acting. He began his acting journey after being moved by Olivier's performance.
1946: Attention from Herbert Whittaker
In 1946, Christopher Plummer's performance as Mr. Darcy in a Montreal High School production of 'Pride and Prejudice' caught the attention of Montreal Gazette's theatre critic Herbert Whittaker, marking a significant moment in his early career.
1948: Professional Acting Debut
In 1948, Christopher Plummer made his professional acting debut with Ottawa's Stage Society, marking the start of his professional career in acting.
1951: Original Broadway Role of Nina
In 1951, David Niven originated the role of Gerard in André Roussin's 'Nina' on Broadway, a role that Christopher Plummer would later play in a 1953 road show production.
1952: Performances at the Bermudiana Theatre
In 1952, Christopher Plummer starred in a number of productions at the Bermudiana Theatre in Bermuda, leading to his recruitment by an American producer.
January 1953: Broadway Debut in The Starcross Story
In January 1953, Christopher Plummer made his Broadway debut in 'The Starcross Story', a Diana Morgan play that closed on opening night. He acted opposite Mary Astor and Margaret Bannerman.
February 1953: Canadian Television Debut in Othello
In February 1953, Christopher Plummer made his Canadian television debut in the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's production of 'Othello', where Lorne Greene starred as the Moor.
October 1954: Appearance in Home is the Hero
From September to October 1954, Christopher Plummer appeared in 'Home is the Hero' on Broadway, which lasted for 30 performances. This marked another stage appearance in his career.
1954: Broadway Debut in The Starcross Story
In 1954, Christopher Plummer made his Broadway debut in the play 'The Starcross Story'. This marked an early milestone in his stage career.
April 1955: Performance in The Dark Is Light Enough
From February to April 1955, Christopher Plummer appeared in 'The Dark Is Light Enough' alongside Katharine Cornell and Tyrone Power, which ran for 69 performances. He also served as Power's understudy during the play's tour.
1956: Debut at Stratford Shakespeare Festival and Appearance in Appointment with Adventure
In 1956, Christopher Plummer made his debut at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, playing the title role in 'Henry V', and appeared in the CBS anthology series 'Appointment with Adventure' in an episode titled 'A Thief There Was' with Jason Robards and Constance Ford.
1956: Married Tammy Grimes
In 1956, Christopher Plummer married actress Tammy Grimes.
1957: Roles at Stratford
In 1957, Christopher Plummer played the title role in 'Hamlet' and Sir Andrew Aguecheek in 'Twelfth Night' at Stratford.
1958: Appearance in Johnny Belinda
In 1958, Christopher Plummer appeared with Julie Harris in the television adaptation of 'Johnny Belinda'.
1958: Film Debut in Stage Struck and Starring Role in Wind Across the Everglades
In 1958, Christopher Plummer made his film debut in 'Stage Struck' and also secured his first starring role in 'Wind Across the Everglades'. This marked the beginning of his film career.
1958: Film Career Begins with Stage Struck and Wind Across the Everglades
In 1958, Christopher Plummer's film career began when Sidney Lumet cast him in 'Stage Struck'. He also played the lead in Nicholas Ray's film 'Wind Across the Everglades' that same year.
1959: Nominated for Tony for J.B.
In 1959, Christopher Plummer appeared in Elia Kazan's successful Broadway production of Archibald MacLeish's Pulitzer Prize-winning play J.B. and was nominated for his first Tony for Best Actor in Play.
1959: Tony Nomination for J.B.
In 1959, Christopher Plummer received a Tony nomination for his role in J.B. This nomination acknowledged his performance in the play.
1959: Starred in The Philadelphia Story and A Doll's House
In 1959, Christopher Plummer starred in the television adaptation of 'The Philadelphia Story' and played Torvald Helmer opposite Julie Harris' Nora in a television version of Henrik Ibsen's 'A Doll's House'.
1960: Starred in Captain Brassbound's Conversion
In 1960, Christopher Plummer starred in the television adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's 'Captain Brassbound's Conversion'.
April 1961: Appeared in Much Ado About Nothing
In April 1961, Christopher Plummer appeared as Benedick in 'Much Ado About Nothing' with the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
May 1961: Played Richard III
In May 1961, Christopher Plummer appeared with the RSC in the lead role of Richard III.
June 11, 1961: London Debut in Becket
On June 11, 1961, Christopher Plummer made his London debut playing King Henry II in Jean Anouilh's 'Becket' with the RSC at the Aldwych Theatre, directed by Peter Hall.
December 1961: Becket Transferred to the Globe
In December 1961, the production of 'Becket' with Christopher Plummer transferred to the Globe Theatre, continuing its run until April 1962.
April 1962: Becket run at the Globe
In April 1962, the production of 'Becket' with Christopher Plummer ended its run at the Globe.
May 4, 1962: Married Patricia Lewis
On May 4, 1962, Christopher Plummer married British entertainment journalist Patricia Lewis after she recovered from a car crash.
1962: Starred in Cyrano de Bergerac
In 1962, Christopher Plummer starred in the television adaptation of Edmond Rostand's 'Cyrano de Bergerac'.
1963: Starred in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui and The Royal Hunt of the Sun
In 1963, Christopher Plummer starred in 'The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui', which was not successful, but he had a great success in Peter Shaffer's 'The Royal Hunt of the Sun', playing Francisco Pizarro.
1964: Starred in The Fall of the Roman Empire
In 1964, Christopher Plummer returned to film, playing the Roman emperor Commodus in Anthony Mann's epic 'The Fall of the Roman Empire'.
1964: Emmy Nomination for Hamlet at Elsinore
In 1964, Christopher Plummer's performance in the BBC production 'Hamlet at Elsinore' earned him his second Emmy nomination.
1965: Starred in The Sound of Music
In 1965, Christopher Plummer gained widespread recognition for his role as Captain Georg von Trapp in the musical film 'The Sound of Music' alongside Julie Andrews, becoming a household name.
1967: Divorced Patricia Lewis
In 1967, Christopher Plummer and Patricia Lewis divorced.
1967: Returned to Stratford to Play Mark Antony
In 1967, Christopher Plummer returned to the Stratford Festival to play Mark Antony in 'Antony and Cleopatra'.
1968: Invested as Companion of the Order of Canada
In 1968, Christopher Plummer was invested as Companion of the Order of Canada.
October 2, 1970: Married Elaine Taylor
On October 2, 1970, Christopher Plummer married actress Elaine Taylor.
1970: Starred in Waterloo
In 1970, Christopher Plummer starred in the film 'Waterloo', adding to his list of notable film appearances.
1974: Tony Award for Cyrano
In 1974, Christopher Plummer received a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Cyrano de Bergerac in 'Cyrano'. This was a significant recognition of his stage talent.
1975: Starred in The Man Who Would Be King
In 1975, Christopher Plummer starred in 'The Man Who Would Be King'.
1975: Starred in The Return of the Pink Panther
In 1975, Christopher Plummer starred in 'The Return of the Pink Panther'.
1977: Death of John Orme Plummer
In 1977, John Orme Plummer, Christopher Plummer's father, passed away. John Orme Plummer had worked as a seller of stocks and other securities.
1980: Starred in Somewhere in Time
In 1980, Christopher Plummer starred in 'Somewhere in Time'.
1981: Played Title Role in Henry V
In 1981, Christopher Plummer returned to the American Shakespeare Festival to play the title role in Henry V.
1982: Tony Nomination for Othello
In 1982, Christopher Plummer received a Tony nomination for his role in Othello. This nomination recognized his performance in the play.
1986: Inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame
In 1986, Christopher Plummer was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame.
1987: Starred in The Man Who Planted Trees
In 1987, Christopher Plummer starred in 'The Man Who Planted Trees'.
1991: Starred in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
In 1991, Christopher Plummer starred in 'Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country'.
1992: Starred in Malcolm X
In 1992, Christopher Plummer appeared in the film 'Malcolm X'.
1994: Tony Nomination for No Man's Land
In 1994, Christopher Plummer was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in 'No Man's Land'.
1997: Tony Award for Barrymore
In 1997, Christopher Plummer won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his performance as John Barrymore in 'Barrymore'. This further solidified his reputation as a distinguished stage actor.
1998: Inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame
In 1998, Christopher Plummer was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in Toronto.
1999: Starred in The Insider
In 1999, Christopher Plummer starred in 'The Insider'.
2001: Received Governor General's Performing Arts Award
In 2001, Christopher Plummer received the Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement.
2001: Starred in A Beautiful Mind
In 2001, Christopher Plummer starred in 'A Beautiful Mind'.
2004: Tony Nomination for King Lear
In 2004, Christopher Plummer received a Tony nomination for his role in King Lear. This nomination recognized his performance in the play.
2005: Starred in The New World and Syriana
In 2005, Christopher Plummer appeared in both 'The New World' and 'Syriana'.
2005: Commentary on The Sound of Music DVD
In 2005, Christopher Plummer provided commentary on the DVD release of 'The Sound of Music', despite initially being embarrassed about the role.
2006: Starred in Inside Man
In 2006, Christopher Plummer starred in 'Inside Man'.
2007: Became a Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
In 2007, Christopher Plummer became a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the Actor's Branch.
2007: Tony Nomination for Inherit the Wind
In 2007, Christopher Plummer earned a Tony nomination for his performance in 'Inherit the Wind'. This further recognized his talents on the stage.
November 2008: Published Memoir "In Spite of Myself"
In November 2008, Christopher Plummer's memoir, "In Spite of Myself", was published.
2009: Plummer Discusses His Feelings About the Character
In 2009, Christopher Plummer expressed that he was 'a bit bored with the character' of Captain Von Trapp. He acknowledged the film's quality and its appeal to a wide audience.
2009: Academy Award Nomination for The Last Station
In 2009, Christopher Plummer was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of Leo Tolstoy in 'The Last Station'.
October 28, 2010: Appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show
On October 28, 2010, Christopher Plummer appeared with the full cast of 'The Sound of Music' on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' for the film's 45th anniversary.
2011: Appeared in "The Captains" and voiced Arngeir in "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim"
In 2011, Christopher Plummer appeared in the documentary "The Captains", where William Shatner interviewed him about their careers and his role in "Star Trek VI". Also in 2011, Plummer voiced Arngeir in the video game "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim".
2011: Academy Award for Beginners
In 2011, Christopher Plummer received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Beginners', where he played an elderly gay man.
2011: Starred in "Beginners"
In 2011, Christopher Plummer starred in the movie "Beginners".
2012: Won Academy Award for "Beginners"
In 2012, at the age of 82, Christopher Plummer won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Beginners".
2015: Starred in "Remember"
In 2015, Christopher Plummer starred in the Atom Egoyan-directed thriller "Remember", alongside Martin Landau and Bruno Ganz.
2016: Received Canadian Screen Award for Lifetime Achievement
In 2016, Christopher Plummer received the Canadian Screen Award for Lifetime Achievement.
November 2017: Replaced Kevin Spacey in "All the Money in the World"
In November 2017, Christopher Plummer replaced Kevin Spacey in the already completed film "All the Money in the World" amid sexual misconduct allegations. Scenes with Spacey were re-shot with Plummer, leading to Golden Globe, British Academy Film Award, and Academy Award nominations for Plummer.
2017: Played Ebenezer Scrooge in "The Man Who Invented Christmas"
In 2017, Christopher Plummer played Ebenezer Scrooge in "The Man Who Invented Christmas", which is based on Charles Dickens' novella A Christmas Carol.
2017: Academy Award Nomination for All the Money in the World
In 2017, Christopher Plummer received an Academy Award nomination for his role as J. Paul Getty in the crime thriller 'All the Money in the World'.
2019: Starred in "Knives Out" and "Departure"
In 2019, Christopher Plummer starred in "Knives Out" as Harlan Thrombey, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was a box office success. Also in 2019, he appeared in the TV series "Departure".
2019: Starred in Knives Out
In 2019, Christopher Plummer starred in 'Knives Out'.
2020: Filmed "Departure" Season 2 from home due to COVID-19
In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Canadian travel restrictions, Christopher Plummer filmed his parts for season 2 of "Departure" from his home in Connecticut.
February 5, 2021: Death of Christopher Plummer
On February 5, 2021, Christopher Plummer, the acclaimed Canadian actor, passed away. His death marked the end of a distinguished career that earned him the 'Triple Crown of Acting' and numerous other accolades.
October 13, 2021: Canada Post Releases Postage Stamp
On October 13, 2021, Canada Post released a postage stamp paying tribute to Christopher Plummer.
2021: Loses Oldest Acting Winner Record
In 2021, Anthony Hopkins supplanted Christopher Plummer as the oldest person to win an acting award.
2021: Death before filming "King Lear"
In 2021, Christopher Plummer was set to play the lead in a film adaptation of Shakespeare's "King Lear", but he died before filming commenced.
2021: Tributes Paid After Death
In 2021, after Christopher Plummer's death, numerous colleagues including Daniel Craig, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, and William Shatner, paid tribute to him.
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