Even though he famously dismissed his role as Captain Georg von Trapp in The Sound of Music as not being particularly "attractive or interesting," Christopher Plummer has fond memories of filming the timeless 1965 musical. "They kept enlarging my costumes because the food in Austria was irresistible, and so was the drink," he shared with Closer Weekly, laughing heartily. In his best German accent, he added, "Der Schnaps und die Biere!" It’s moments like these that remind us of Plummer’s wit and charm, which have captivated audiences for decades.
A Career Spanning Over Seven Decades
Throughout his illustrious 70-year career, Christopher Plummer’s sharp sense of humor has always been a defining trait. As he approaches his 91st birthday on December 13, he shows no signs of slowing down. "I’d rather go out on stage doing what I love," he says with determination. The day after his birthday, he’ll narrate an audio version of A Nantucket Christmas Carol for a local Cape Cod radio station. He’s also lending his voice to the animated movie Heroes of the Golden Mask, currently in production. "There’s no such thing as retirement in our profession," he quips. "We just keep going until we drop. Acting keeps the brain sharp—it’s like a workout for the mind."
Life During the Pandemic
During the pandemic, Christopher has been enjoying life at his Connecticut home, which he shares with his wife of 50 years, Elaine Taylor. "She’s an incredible cook," he gushes, speaking fondly of his partner. Together, they’ve embraced organic cooking, which Elaine prepares with flair. "It’s delicious and low in calories," he says approvingly. Christopher credits this healthy lifestyle, combined with his love for tennis and long walks, for keeping him fit and energetic. These days, he enjoys organic wine with dinner, leaving behind the stronger spirits he indulged in during his younger years. His dedication to staying active and engaged is evident in his career choices, from starring in the Tony-winning musical Cyrano to earning an Emmy nomination for The Thorn Birds.
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From Montreal to the Spotlight
Born in Montreal, Christopher’s love for acting began early. His first role was playing Mr. Darcy in a high school production of Pride and Prejudice. "I was incredibly fortunate," he reflects. "I started working professionally at 18, and I never looked back." While he briefly considered pursuing classical piano professionally, his true passion has always been the stage. "I was a bit snobbish about movies," he admits. "I thought theater was the ultimate form of art."
Hollywood Calls
Despite his initial reservations about Hollywood, the film industry quickly embraced him. Thanks to his dashing good looks, he became an international sex symbol—a label that never sat well with him. "Nothing bores me more than being called a leading man," he scoffs. "I couldn’t wait to become a character actor in my 40s. That’s when the roles started getting more interesting and diverse."
A Decade of Triumphs
Over the past decade, Christopher has delivered some of his most memorable performances. He played the murdered patriarch in the dark comedy Knives Out, portrayed J. Paul Getty in All the Money in the World, and won his only Academy Award for his role as an aging, openly gay father in 2010’s Beginners. At 82, he became the oldest actor to win an Oscar. "I’ve done some of my best work in the last few years," he says proudly. "Theater was wonderful, but there’s something magical about the variety and depth of roles in film."
A Season of Joy and Work
As the holidays approach, Christopher is eagerly looking forward to celebrating his birthday and embracing the Christmas spirit. "Growing up in Montreal, Christmas was always a big deal," he recalls. "It’s cold and harsh, so you need something to lift your spirits." But don’t mistake him for someone who plans to take it easy. "I’ve done some of my most exciting work in recent years," he says. "There’s so much more to explore, and I’m not planning on stopping anytime soon."
— Lisa Chambers
For more on this story, pick up the latest issue of Closer magazine, available now on newsstands.
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