Legendary Actor Donald Sutherland Passed Away At 88

Donald Sutherland, one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, has passed away at 88 after a prolonged illness, according to Deadline.

Unlike some actors who gain instant fame, Sutherland’s rise to stardom was gradual. Sutherland was Born in New Brunswick where he attended Victoria College at the University of Toronto, double-majoring in engineering and drama. He eventually decided to pursue drama full-time and moved to England to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. His early career included a stint at Scotland’s Perth Repertory Theater and bit parts in British TV shows and films, including Castle of the Living Dead with Christopher Lee.

Sutherland Rose to Fame Through War Films

Sutherland’s breakthrough role came in 1967’s The Dirty Dozen, where he replaced another actor at the minute. A key scene, originally written for another character, was reassigned to Sutherland, showcasing his comedic talent. This performance led to his role as “Hawkeye” Pierce in the 1970 film M*A*S*H and as a hippie tank commander in Kelly’s Heroes. These roles cemented his status as a bankable film star, leading him to Hollywood.

Donald Sutherland Showcased Versatility in Diverse Roles

The next phase of Sutherland’s career was marked by an eclectic range of roles. From starring in the psychological thriller Don’t Look Now, and the sci-fi horror Invasion of the Body Snatchers, the actor also played a marijuana-smoking professor in National Lampoon’s Animal House. For the latter, Sutherland gambled on his salary, opting for an upfront payment instead of a percentage of the box office gross—a decision that ultimately cost him millions, as Animal House became one of the highest-grossing comedies of all time.

A Father to Another Acclaimed Actor

Sutherland was also the father of another acclaimed actor, Kiefer Sutherland. Born to Sutherland and Shirley Douglas in 1966, Kiefer was named after Warren Kiefer, who had directed Donald in Castle of the Living Dead. Kiefer, like his father, worked his way into the acting industry, sharing a room with Robert Downey Jr. in Los Angeles during their early careers. His first credited role was in Max Dugan Returns, where his father was also a cast. Kiefer went on to achieve significant success, notably for his role as Jack Bauer in the TV drama 24.

The Actor’s Lifelong Commitment to Acting

Despite his age, Donald Sutherland never retired from acting. His later career included roles in TV and film, most notably as President Snow in the Hunger Games series, introducing him to a younger generation. He also acted in commercials and participated in the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Sutherland received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and won a Primetime Emmy Award for his role in Citizen X.

Sutherland’s personal life saw him married three times, according to Hello! Magazine. He had five children, including twins Kiefer and Rachel, and three sons with his third wife. His career spanned decades, showcasing his versatility and enduring talent in the entertainment industry.