Donald Sutherland, the celebrated Canadian actor whose distinctive and off-kilter screen presence captivated audiences for over half a century, has passed away at the age of 88. Sutherland died Thursday in Miami after a long illness, as confirmed by his representatives at Creative Artists Agency.
Kiefer Sutherland, his son, expressed profound admiration for his father on X, stating, “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.”
Known for his tall, gaunt figure and a grin that could be both sweet and sinister, Sutherland’s career included memorable roles such as Hawkeye Pierce in Robert Altman’s “M.A.S.H.,” the hippie tank commander in “Kelly’s Heroes,” and the stoned professor in “Animal House.” Elliott Gould, Sutherland’s co-star in “M.A.S.H.,” praised him as a “giant” talent and a kind, generous person.
Before becoming a respected character actor, Sutherland embodied the antiestablishment cinema of the 1970s. His extensive career spanned nearly 200 films and series, showcasing his versatility in roles such as in Robert Redford’s “Ordinary People” and Oliver Stone’s “JFK,” and more recently, in “The Hunger Games” franchise.
Born in St. John, New Brunswick, Sutherland was the son of a salesman and a mathematics teacher. He grew up in Nova Scotia and began his career in radio as a disc jockey at 14. He later studied engineering at the University of Toronto before switching to English and drama, where he began acting in school productions.
After moving to Los Angeles, Sutherland’s career trajectory changed with a series of war films, starting with “The Dirty Dozen” in 1967. His breakthrough role as Vernon Pinkley in “The Dirty Dozen” and the subsequent success of “M.A.S.H.” catapulted him to stardom.
Throughout his career, Sutherland worked with many of the top directors of the era, including Federico Fellini, Bernardo Bertolucci, and John Schlesinger. One of his most acclaimed performances was in Alan Pakula’s “Klute,” where he played a detective opposite Jane Fonda.
Despite never being nominated for an Academy Award, Sutherland received an honorary Oscar in 2017 and won an Emmy and two Golden Globes. His final years saw continued work in film and television, with notable roles in HBO’s “Path to War” and “The Hunger Games.”
Donald Sutherland is survived by his wife, actress Francine Racette, and their children Roeg, Rossif, and Angus. His prolific career and the legacy of his memorable performances leave an indelible mark on the world of film and television.
