AFP/APP
Los Angeles: Donald Sutherland, the enigmatic actor renowned for his roles in films like “The Dirty Dozen” and “The Hunger Games,” has passed away at the age of 88, according to his son, Kiefer Sutherland, who shared the news on X.
Kiefer Sutherland expressed his sorrow, saying, “With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away.” The elder Sutherland, recognized for his distinctive look and piercing eyes, brought depth and mystery to a vast array of roles over his more than fifty-year career in cinema.
One of Canada’s most celebrated actors, Sutherland portrayed dashing leading men, antiheroes, and villains, most recently capturing the imagination of a new generation as the malevolent President Snow in “The Hunger Games” franchise. “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,” Kiefer Sutherland reflected.
Tributes poured in swiftly following the Emmy and Golden Globe winner’s death. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised Sutherland’s unique talents, recalling his own youthful encounter with the actor. “He was a man with a strong presence, a brilliance in his craft, and truly, truly, a great Canadian artist, and he will be deeply missed,” Trudeau remarked.
US President Joe Biden honored Sutherland as a “one-of-a-kind actor who inspired and entertained the world for decades.” Director Ron Howard, who worked with Sutherland in “Backdraft,” lauded him as “one of the most intelligent, interesting & engrossing film actors of all time,” noting his incredible range, creative courage, and dedication to storytelling.
British actress Helen Mirren, who starred alongside Sutherland in “The Leisure Seeker,” described him as “one of the smartest actors I ever worked with,” citing his inquisitive mind and broad knowledge on various subjects. “He combined this great intelligence with a deep sensitivity, and with a seriousness about his profession as an actor. This all made him into the legend of film that he became. He was my colleague and became my friend. I will miss his presence in this world,” Mirren said.
Actor Rob Lowe praised Sutherland as “one of our greatest actors,” recommending his performance in “Ordinary People” as a master class in acting. Henry Winkler and “The Batman” director Matt Reeves also paid homage, with Winkler calling Sutherland “singular” and Reeves describing him as a “beautiful, soulful, and singular actor” whose performances have had a profound impact.
Sutherland’s rise to fame began with his role in Robert Aldrich’s “The Dirty Dozen,” where he stood out among a star-studded cast. His performance caught the attention of producers of “MAS*H,” a 1970 film widely seen as a sophisticated satire on the Vietnam War. Starring opposite Elliott Gould, Sutherland became a household name in America.
His career flourished as he collaborated with major Hollywood figures, including Jane Fonda in “Klute,” where their off-screen romance fueled their on-screen chemistry. Their relationship also led Sutherland to become active in anti-Vietnam War efforts, placing them both under FBI surveillance due to their activism.
