Acting Legend Donald Sutherland Dies Aged 88

Sutherland’s long, successful and eclectic career on screen saw him encompass heroes and villains, and win both Emmys and Golden Globes for his work on TV.

Donald Sutherland for Lionsgate's 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire'.

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Donald Sutherland has died.
He was 88.
The actor will be remembered as a redoubtable performer and for roles both comedic and dramatic.

Donald Sutherland, a man who established himself in the firmament of stalwart, accomplished actors, has died. He was 88.

Sutherland was known for his distinctive voice and commanding screen presence. He worked with some of the most respected directors in the industry and left a lasting impact on the world of cinema and television.

Donald Sutherland: Early Life and Career

Donald Sutherland in 'M*A*S*H.' Photo: 20th Century-Fox.

Sutherland was born in St. John, Canada in 1935.

As a child, he battled various illnesses, including polio, hepatitis, and rheumatic fever. Despite his health challenges, Sutherland pursued his education at the University of Toronto, where he earned dual degrees in engineering and drama. But once the acting bug bit, he studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art before landing roles in British TV shows and movies such as ‘The Avengers’ and ‘The Saint.’

‘Saint’ star Roger Moore recommended him to the producers of ‘The Dirty Dozen’, taking his movie career to the next level.

MAS*H

"M*A*S*H Gives A D*A*M*N."

R1 hr 56 minMar 18th, 1970

Watch M*A*S*H Online

Donald Sutherland: Film Work

(L to R) Kevin Costner and Donald Sutherland in 'JFK.' Photo: Warner Bros.

The success of ‘The Dirty Dozen’ led to his iconic role as Hawkeye Pierce in the critically acclaimed ‘M*A*S*H’ in 1970, which cemented his status as a leading man. Throughout his career, Sutherland has showcased his versatility by taking on diverse roles in films such as 1971’s ‘Klute’, where his work and relationship with Jane Fonda sparked his activism, horror ‘Don't Look Now’ (famous –– or perhaps infamous –– for the speculation of the reality of his sex scene with co-star Julie Christie), ‘Ordinary People’, ‘JFK’ ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘The Italian Job' (2003) and the 1978 version of ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’.

JFK

"The story that won't go away."

R3 hr 8 minDec 20th, 1991

Watch JFK Online

More recently, he garnered attention and a new generation of fans for his portrayal of the villainous President Snow in the ‘Hunger Games’ movies.

Sutherland scored Golden Globes and Emmys for his TV work, and while he was never nominated for an Oscar, he did receive an Honorary Oscar in 2017.

The Hunger Games

"May the odds be ever in your favor."

PG-132 hr 22 minMar 23rd, 2012

Showtimes & Tickets

Watch The Hunger Games Online

Donald Sutherland Dies: Son Kiefer Sutherland’s Statement

Kiefer Sutherland in season 1 of '24'. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.

Sutherland had five children: sons Kiefer, Roeg, Rossif and Angus, a daughter, Rachel.

Kiefer is the best known among them, since he followed in his father’s performing footsteps. The duo starred together in projects several times throughout the years, including the movies ‘Max Dugan Returns’, ‘Forsaken’ and ‘A Time to Kill’.

Here’s what the younger Sutherland had to say about his father’s passing:

“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 was married three times, firstly to Lois Hardwick, from 1959 to 1966. His second, to actress Shirley Douglas, spanned 1966 to 1971 and produced Kiefer and Rachel. He’s survived by his third wife, Canadian actress Francine Racette, with whom he had Roeg, Rossif and Angus.