Acclaimed Canadian actor Donald Sutherland, best known for roles in films such as The Hunger Games and Don’t Look Now, has died at the age of 88 after a long illness.
His son, actor Kiefer Sutherland, shared the news with a heartfelt message: “It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Donald Sutherland. He was one of the most important actors in the history of film, He never backed down.” Whatever the role, whether good, bad or challenging, he loved his art and lived a life dedicated to it.”
The death of Sutherland, who had nearly 200 credits to his name in a career spanning more than five decades, prompted an outpouring of tributes and condolences. Actor Rob Lowe, who starred with Sutherland in Salem’s Lot, praised him, calling him “one of our greatest actors”. Lowe recalled Sutherland’s charisma and talent, saying, “It was an honor to work with him.”
Cary Elwes, who appeared with Sutherland in the TV movie Uprising, expressed sadness at the loss. “Our hearts are with you,” Elwes wrote to Kiefer Sutherland on Instagram, expressing his gratitude for knowing the late actor and collaborating with him. “Sending all our love.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau fondly recalled his first meeting with Sutherland, describing feeling ‘deeply, deeply star-struck’. Trudeau expressed his condolences to Kiefer Sutherland and the entire Sutherland family, as well as all Canadians, mourning their loss.
Trudeau commented, “He had commanding presence, extraordinary talent at his art and he truly embodied the spirit of a great Canadian artist.”
Ron Howard, who directed Sutherland in the 1991 film Backdraft, hailed him as “one of the most intelligent, interesting and captivating film actors of all time”.
Born in New Brunswick, Canada, Sutherland initially worked as a radio news reporter before studying at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art in 1957. He began his acting career with small roles in British film and television productions.
Sutherland rose to fame with notable roles in war films such as 1967’s The Dirty Dozen, Kelly’s Heroes, and from 1970 onwards, M*A*S*H. Her collaboration with Jane Fonda in Alan Jay Pakula’s 1971 thriller Klute, where she played a detective and a call girl respectively, also marked an important milestone in her career. The two actors were in a romantic relationship for two years.
In the 1970s, Donald Sutherland played a variety of characters, from an IRA member in The Eagle Has Landed to a laid-back college professor in National Lampoon’s Animal House to the lead role in the 1978 remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
In the 1980s, Sutherland played a poignant role as the father of a troubled teen in the Oscar-winning film Ordinary People. Turning to television in the 2000s, he appeared in series such as Dirty Sexy Money and Commander-in-Chief.
Despite an illustrious career spanning decades and a wide range of roles, Sutherland never received an Oscar nomination until he was awarded an Honorary Academy Award in 2017.
Known for his activism, Sutherland protested the Vietnam War with Jane Fonda. He incorporated his faith into some of his acting roles, most notably as President Snow in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2. Reflecting on the film’s impact, Sutherland hoped it would raise awareness of social and political issues among young audiences.
Following news of his passing, the official account of The Hunger Games praised Sutherland’s portrayal, highlighting his ability to create memorable characters that have defined his illustrious career.
In a 2015 Sutherland looked at changes in the industry, noting the significant financial rewards for actors today compared to his early days in theatre. Despite this development, he remained committed to acting and rejected any notion of retirement being tantamount to ‘death’.
Her upcoming memoir, Made Up, But Still True, is scheduled to be released in November, providing insight into her remarkable life and career.
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