Donald Sutherland’s Death at 88 Shocks Hollywood. Donald Sutherland, who is well-known for his iconic parts in Don’t Look Now and The Hunger Games, has left a magnificent history that spans 5 decades. Across the globe, admirers and fellow performers are lamenting his passing and honoring his remarkable career.
Canadian actor Donald Sutherland, celebrated for his performances in The Hunger Games and Don’t Look Now, has died at the age of 88 after a prolonged illness. His son, Kiefer Sutherland, also an actor, announced the sad news, stating, “With a heavy heart, I share that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. He was one of the most important actors in film history. He loved what he did and did what he loved. A life well lived.”
Donald Sutherland’s career spanned over 50 years, boasting nearly 200 film and television credits. Following the announcement of his death, many tributes poured in. Actor Rob Lowe, who worked with Sutherland in the miniseries Salem’s Lot, described him as “one of our greatest actors” and recalled their time together. Cary Elwes, a co-star in the 2001 TV film Uprising, expressed his heartbreak and extended condolences to Kiefer and the Sutherland family.
Born in New Brunswick, Canada, Sutherland began his professional journey as a radio news reporter before moving to London in 1957 to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He initially played small roles in British films and television shows. His breakthrough came with roles in war films like The Dirty Dozen (1967), Kelly’s Heroes (1970), and MASH* (1970).
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau conveyed his sympathy, recalling his awe when meeting Sutherland. US President Joe Biden recognized Sutherland as a unique actor who inspired and entertained for decades. Director Ron Howard, who worked with Sutherland on the 1991 film Backdraft, praised him as one of the most intelligent and compelling actors he had ever met.
Jane Fonda, who starred with Sutherland in the 1971 film Klute and dated him for two years, shared a touching tribute on Instagram. She recalled their adventures and their performances for troops during an anti-Vietnam war tour. She described Sutherland as a “brilliant actor” and expressed her deep sorrow over his passing.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Sutherland took on diverse roles, including an IRA member in The Eagle Has Landed (1976), a college professor in National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978), and a father in Ordinary People (1980). In the 2000s, he appeared in television series such as Dirty Sexy Money and Commander-in-Chief.
Despite his prolific career, Sutherland was never nominated for an Oscar, though he received an honorary Academy Award in 2017 for his contributions to film. Known for his political activism, he protested the Vietnam War and channeled his beliefs into roles like President Snow in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2.
The official Hunger Games X account honored him by saying, “We asked the kindest man in the world to portray the most corrupt, ruthless dictator we’ve ever seen. Such was the power and skill of Donald Sutherland’s acting.”
Sutherland once remarked in a BBC interview about the industry’s changes, noting the significant increase in actors’ earnings. Reflecting on his career, he expressed no intention of retiring, stating, “Retirement for actors is spelled ‘DEATH.'”
His memoir, Made Up, But Still True, is set to be published in November.
FAQ:
1. What is Donald Sutherland most known for?
Donald Sutherland is known for his versatile and extensive career in film and television. Some of his most iconic roles are Hawkeye Pierce in MASH* (1970), John Baxter in Don’t Look Now (1973), Matthew Bennell in Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978), Calvin Jarrett in Ordinary People (1980), President Snow in The Hunger Games series (2012-2015).
2. Was Donald Sutherland British?
No, Donald Sutherland was not British. He was born in New Brunswick, Canada.
3. What did Donald Sutherland do?
Donald Sutherland was a Canadian actor.
4. Has Donald Sutherland won an Oscar?
No, Donald Sutherland has not won an Oscar. But in 2017, he received an honorary Academy Award in recognition of his contributions to the film industry.
5. Was Donald Sutherland married when he died?
In 1972, Donald Sutherland married Racette and stayed together.
6. What illness did Donald Sutherland have?
Donald Sutherland faced a number of illnesses as a child, such as polio, rheumatic fever, and hepatitis.
7. What was the cause of Donald Sutherland’s death?
After an extensive illness, Donald Sutherland passed away in Miami, Florida.
8. What is Donald Sutherland’s last movie?
Donald Sutherland’s last movie is “Lawmen: Bass Reeves”.
9. Did Donald Sutherland have a son?
Yes, Kiefer Sutherland, a well-known actor, is Donald Sutherland’s son.
10. Did Donald Sutherland have polio?
Yes, he has polio.