Quote from Alex bobby on June 22, 2024, 2:02 PM

Donald Sutherland, the iconic Canadian actor renowned for his distinctive and captivating screen presence, has passed away at the age of 88. Sutherland died on Thursday in Miami after a prolonged illness, according to a statement from Creative Artists Agency, his representatives.

Kiefer Sutherland, his son, paid tribute on X, calling his father one of the most significant actors in film history: “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.”

Sutherland’s career spanned over fifty years, marked by his portrayal of eccentric and memorable characters 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.” His colleague from “M.A.S.H.,” Elliott Gould, described him as a "giant, not only physically but as a talent,” noting his kindness and generosity.

Emerging as a key figure in the anti-establishment cinema of the 1970s, Sutherland’s career evolved into that of a highly respected character actor. He appeared in nearly 200 films and series, showcasing his range in roles from Robert Redford’s “Ordinary People” to Oliver Stone’s “JFK,” and more recently, the “Hunger Games” franchise.

A memoir, “Made Up, But Still True,” is set to be released in November. Reflecting on his passion for acting, Sutherland told Charlie Rose in 1998, “I love to work. I passionately love to work. I love to feel my hand fit into the glove of some other character. I feel a huge freedom — time stops for me. I’m not as crazy as I used to be, but I’m still a little crazy.”

Born in St. John, New Brunswick, Sutherland was the son of a salesman and a mathematics teacher. Raised in Nova Scotia, he started as a disc jockey with his own radio station at age 14.

“When I was 13 or 14, I really thought everything I felt was wrong and dangerous, and that God was going to kill me for it,” he shared with The New York Times in 1981. His father’s advice, “Keep your mouth shut, Donnie, and maybe people will think you have character,” stayed with him.

Sutherland initially studied engineering at the University of Toronto before switching to English and joining school theatrical productions. He married aspiring actress Lois Hardwick in 1959, but they divorced seven years later.

After graduating in 1956, he studied acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, appearing in West End plays and British television before moving to Los Angeles. His breakthrough came with “The Dirty Dozen” (1967), playing Vernon Pinkley, followed by roles in “Kelly’s Heroes” and the hit “M.A.S.H.” in 1970, which launched him to stardom.

Sutherland valued the longevity and variety of character roles, telling The Washington Post in 1970, “There’s longevity. A good character actor can show a different face in every film and not bore the public.” Despite initial friction with Altman on “M.A.S.H.,” he embraced the film’s anti-war message, becoming a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War and co-founding the Free Theater Associates with Jane Fonda and others.

During the 1970s, Sutherland worked with top directors like Federico Fellini, Bernardo Bertolucci, Claude Chabrol, and John Schlesinger, although not all collaborations were successful. His role as a detective in Alan Pakula’s “Klute” (1971) was one of his finest, where he met Fonda, starting a three-year relationship. He had twins, Rachel and Kiefer, with his second wife, Shirley Douglas, before divorcing in 1971.

In Nicolas Roeg’s psychological horror film “Don’t Look Now” (1973), Sutherland and Julie Christie played a grieving couple in Venice, delivering a renowned performance. He married Francine Racette in 1972, with whom he had three children: Roeg, Rossif, and Angus Redford.

Robert Redford’s “Ordinary People” (1980) earned four Oscars, with Sutherland portraying a father grappling with loss. Despite never receiving an Academy Award nomination, he was honored with an honorary Oscar in 2017, won an Emmy for “Citizen X,” and received two Golden Globes.

Sutherland’s stage debut in Edward Albee’s adaptation of “Lolita” in 1981 was critically panned, leading to a tough period in the '80s. However, he continued working steadily, including notable television roles. He appeared in films with his son Kiefer and played President Snow in “The Hunger Games” series, a role he sought out for its importance.

Reflecting on his prolific career, Sutherland once mused about dying onscreen for real: “I’m really hoping that in some movie I’m doing, I die — but I die, me, Donald — and they’re able to use my funeral and the coffin. That would be absolutely ideal. I would love that.”

Donald Sutherland's illustrious career, spanning over five decades, left an indelible mark on the world of film and television. From his breakout roles in anti-establishment cinema of the 1970s to his later acclaimed performances, Sutherland’s versatility and dedication to his craft were evident in every role he undertook. His ability to embody a vast array of characters, from the eccentric to the deeply profound, showcased his exceptional talent and passion for acting.

His influence extended beyond the screen, inspiring generations of actors, including his son Kiefer, and leaving a legacy of memorable performances. Sutherland’s commitment to his roles, his willingness to embrace both the good and the challenging parts, and his profound love for the art of acting made him a revered figure in the entertainment industry.

Even in his final years, Sutherland continued to seek roles that mattered, demonstrating his unwavering passion for storytelling. As the world remembers Donald Sutherland, it celebrates not just an extraordinary actor but a remarkable individual whose contributions to cinema will continue to inspire and resonate for years to come.