Donald Sutherland, the legendary actor known for his roles in “MAS*H,” “Klute,” “Animal House,” and “The Hunger Games” series, has died at the age of 88.
Donald Sutherland dead: The news of his passing was confirmed by his son, Kiefer Sutherland, on Thursday, June 20, 2024, via a heartfelt social media post by sharing a photo of himself and his dad.
“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.” His son Kiefer Sutherland posted on social media Thursday along with a black and white photo of the father-son pair.
As we remember the iconic Canadian actor, it’s essential to celebrate his remarkable career, spanning over six decades, and the profound impact he had on the film industry.
Donald McNichol Sutherland was born on July 17, 1935, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. He attended Victoria College at the University of Toronto and later, the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art in England. Sutherland’s initial foray into acting began on the stage, which soon led him to transition into television and film.
Sutherland’s breakthrough came in 1967 with the film “The Dirty Dozen,” where he played Vernon Pinkley. This role propelled him into the spotlight, showcasing his unique talent and setting the stage for a successful career in Hollywood.
In 1970, Sutherland starred as Hawkeye Pierce in the film “MAS*H,” a role that solidified his status as a leading actor. The film’s success and Sutherland’s performance were pivotal in establishing his reputation in the industry.
Sutherland showcased his talent in a wide variety of genres, starring in films such as:
“Klute” (1971) – A psychological thriller where he starred opposite Jane Fonda.
“Don’t Look Now” (1973) – A horror film directed by Nicolas Roeg.
“Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (1978) – A science fiction horror film.
“Ordinary People” (1980) – A drama that won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
“JFK” (1991) – A political thriller directed by Oliver Stone.
“The Italian Job” (2003) – A heist film where he played a key supporting role.
“The Hunger Games” series (2012-2015) – As President Snow, he introduced himself to a new generation of filmgoers.
Despite his prolific career and numerous acclaimed performances, Donald Sutherland never received an Academy Award nomination. However, his contributions to film were recognized in other ways:
Honorary Academy Award (2017) – Recognizing his extensive and distinguished career.
Emmy Award – For his role in the television film “Citizen X” (1995).
Golden Globe Awards – He won two Golden Globes for his performances in “Citizen X” and “Path to War” (2002).
Donald Sutherland was married three times. His first marriage was to Lois Hardwick, followed by Shirley Douglas, with whom he had two children, Kiefer Sutherland and Rachel Sutherland.
Kiefer Sutherland followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a renowned actor himself. His third marriage was to French-Canadian actress Francine Racette, with whom he had three sons: Rossif, Angus, and Roeg Sutherland.
Donald Sutherland Net Worth
At the time of his passing, Donald Sutherland’s net worth was estimated to be around $60 million, accrued from his long and successful career in film and television.
