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Eleanor Parker, one of the stars of the original Sound of Music movie cast and an iconic actress with a legacy spanning five decades, died Monday in Palm Springs. She passed away at the age of 91 from pneumonia complications. The unfortunate news was confirmed by her son, actor Paul Clements, for the LA Times. 

RIP Eleanor Parker (1922-2013), star of CAGED and MISSION TO MOSCOW http://t.co/VhV30QKDdg pic.twitter.com/5grh4RAP86

— Lou Lumenick (@LouLumenick) December 9, 2013

Continue reading: Beloved 'Sound Of Music' Actress Eleanor Parker Dies Aged 91

Eleanor Parker, an esteemed actress with a rich history of well-received performances from a career stretching over 50 decades, has passed away due to complications from pneumonia at a medical facility close to Palm Springs, California. The renowned actress was 91-years-old upon her death, with Variety first releasing the news of her passing.

Beginning in 1941 with an unused bit part in They Died with Their Boots On and lasting until her appearance in the TV movie Dead on the Money in 1991, Parker was one of the best know actresses of her time in the 1950's and 60's. In her 50's heyday, Parker was nominated for an Academy Award three times, all for Best Actress, but it is her role in the timeless movie version of Rogers & Hammerstein's The Sound of Music that she is known best for today.

Her role as The Baroness, who was left behind by Christopher Plummer's Captain Von Trapp for Julie Andrews' Maria in the film, has made sure that she has been remembered to this day, however Parker was an well-regarded and wide ranging actress in her day.

Continue reading: 'The Sound Of Music' Star & Oscar Nominee Eleanor Parker Passes Away, Aged 91

The hills are set to be alive with the sound of Carrie Underwood, when the country-pop star takes on the role of Maria Von Trapp in the upcoming TV adaption of the Sound of Music.

The former American Idol winner will take on the famous role in a new TV production for NBC, based on the much-loved Broadway original. The latest adaptation will see Underwood perform live over a three-hour broadcast, set to air next year, a network executive revealed yesterday (Nov 30th).

The TV adaption is being produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, the production team behind NBC’s well-received musical series Smash, as well as having helmed the acclaimed film versions of musical hits Chicago and Hairspray, so there's few worries over whether those in charge will know what they're doing. The pair are also in charge of the upcoming Academy Awards Ceremony in February, so expect a song and dance or two for then.

Continue reading: Carrie Underwood Set To Star As Maria Von Trapp In New Version Of Sound Of Music

Douglas Hodge won a throng of new fans and even a Tony Award when he was last on Broadway for La Cage Aux Folles and now he is back on the stage taking on the celebrated title role in the latest version of Cyrano de Bergerac to hit New York.

It is the role, created by Edmond Rostand in 1897, that has seen such distinguished actors as Christopher Plummer, Gérard Depardieu (who won an Oscar nomination) and most recently on Broadway Kevin Kline put on the fake nose to take on the role, but this time round the Brit actor his being lamented as being the perfect casting as audiences and critics can’t help but lap on the praise for the actor, who performed the first show of the run only last night (October 11, 2012).

In fact, it isn’t just Hodge that is getting the praise for the show, as his (largely British) co-stars have also impressed all round for their performances. British director Jamie Lloyd takes helm of the new production, whilst fellow Brit Ranjit Bolt has provided a new translation of the timeless production. Kyle Soller, another Brit and French actress Clemence Poesy make up the rest of the top billed cast.