Donald Sutherland Dead at 88, Iconic Canadian Actor Passes Away

Donald Sutherland, known for movies like Don’t Look Now and The Hunger Games has died at the age of 88 after battling a long-term illness.

His son, Kiefer Sutherland announced his father’s passing with the following statement, “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.”

Donald Sutherland’s Impact In Movies

Born in New Brunswick, Canada, Sutherland began his career as a radio news reporter, leaving the country in 1957 to study in London at the Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He would take on small TV and film roles in the UK after the fact. His first major role was starring in The Dirty Dozen, which premiered in 1967. The movie was a World War II action film.

He held close to 200 credits on his acting resume, also starring in flicks like Klute as well as MASH, playing a surgeon in the 1970 movie version of the popular television show.

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… pic.twitter.com/3EdJB03KKT

— Kiefer Sutherland (@RealKiefer) June 20, 2024

Despite the incredible impact he had in movies and the 150 roles he had in films, Sutherland was never nominated for an Oscar. However, in 2017 he did receive an honorary Academy Award.

His “Hunger Games” Legacy

Sutherland won a new generation of fans when with his role in the Hunger Games franchise, playing the tyrannical President Snow. He told BBC News in 2015 that he hoped that the movie’s socio-political message could increase awareness for younger audience members when it came to the world around them.

He stated, “I have been convinced for the last 30 years that they weren’t thinking politically at all. The purpose of everybody involved in this was try to get them engaged. As Bruce Springsteen said, ‘Blind faith in your leaders… will get you killed.’”

His passing comes months before his memoir, “Made Up, But Still True”, was set to be released. The book centers around his life as an actor.

On behalf of everyone here, we pass on our deepest condolences to Donald Sutherland’s friends, family, and fans. Continue to visit CTS for the most up-to-date celebrity news.

Editorial credit: Denis Makarenko / Shutterstock.com