Canadian actor Donald Sutherland, renowned for his roles in films such as The Hunger Games and Don’t Look Now, passed away at 88 after a prolonged illness. His son, actor Kiefer Sutherland, shared the news, stating, “With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film. Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. A life well lived.”
Sutherland’s career, spanning over half a century, included nearly 200 credits. The announcement of his passing led to an outpouring of tributes and condolences. Cary Elwes, who co-starred with Sutherland in the 2001 television film Uprising, expressed his grief, saying he was “devastated” and grateful to have known and worked with him.
Read more: Actress Momina Iqbal’s Father Passed Away
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reflected on meeting Sutherland, stating, “My thoughts go out to Kiefer and the entire Sutherland family, as well as all Canadians who are no doubt saddened to learn, as I am right now. He was a man with a strong presence, a brilliance in his craft and truly, truly a great Canadian artist.”
Ron Howard, who directed Sutherland in the 1991 film Backdraft, praised him as “one of the most intelligent, interesting [and] engrossing film actors of all time.”
Born in New Brunswick, Canada, Sutherland began his career as a radio news reporter before moving to London in 1957 to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He initially took on small roles in British film and television before gaining prominence with high-profile roles in war films like The Dirty Dozen (1967) and Kelly’s Heroes and MAS*H (1970).
Jane Fonda co-starred with Sutherland in the 1971 thriller Klute, and they dated for two years. In the 1970s, he continued to build his filmography with roles in The Eagle Has Landed, National Lampoon’s Animal House, and Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
In the 1980s, Sutherland starred in the Oscar-winning Ordinary People. He transitioned to television in the 2000s, appearing in series like Dirty Sexy Money and Commander-in-Chief. Despite his prolific career, he never received an Oscar nomination, although he was honored with an Academy Award in 2017.
Sutherland was also known for his political activism, particularly his opposition to the Vietnam War, which he protested alongside Jane Fonda. He channeled his beliefs into roles such as President Snow in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2.
