Notable deaths in 2021 ------------------------------------ Christopher Plummer 91. Propelled to fame as Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music, which opened door for award-garlanded seven- decade career Prince Philip 99. Duke of Edinburgh, husband of Queen Elizabeth II since 1947, helped modernise monarchy and steer family through crises Kenneth Kaunda 97. First president of Zambia, who led his country for 27 years, was one of Africa’s last surviving liberation leaders Gerd Müller 75. Legendary Bayern Munich and Germany footballer netted 68 international goals, including winner in 1974 World Cup final Charlie Watts 80. Strong but unflashy drummer powered Rolling Stones, one of world’s greatest rock and roll bands, for almost 60 years Jean-Paul Belmondo 88. Magnetic star of French New Wave cinema whose rugged looks and cynical outlook personified youthful alienation Colin Powell 84. Trailblazing U.S. soldier and statesman whose stellar reputation was marred by his faulty claims to justify Iraq War of 2003 F.W. de Klerk 85. Last white president of South Africa, who helped dismantle apartheid and shared Nobel Peace Prize with Nelson Mandela Stephen Sondheim 91. Titan of American musical theatre was among most influential composer-lyricists of last half of 20th century ------------------------------------------------- Source: HistoryFile, Julie Mullins Pictures: Newscom, Getty Images, 20th Century Fox © GRAPHIC NEWS