Renowned Canadian actor Donald Sutherland passes away at the age of 88.
In a heartfelt statement, Kiefer Sutherland expressed his sadness over the passing of his father, Donald Sutherland. Kiefer deeply revered his father as one of the most influential actors in Hollywood's history. Donald's passion for acting and his love for his craft made him a standout performer. He lived a full life, and we can't ask for more.
Justin Trudeau, Canada's Prime Minister, honored the deceased as a remarkable Canadian artist. Donald was a man with a commanding presence and remarkable skill in his craft. His absence will be deeply felt.
Joe Biden, the US President, mourned him as a one-of-a-kind actor who captivated and entertained audiences for decades. Helen Mirren, a British actress, described him as a living legend and one of the wisest actors she's ever collaborated with.
Donald Sutherland is recognized as one of Canada's greatest film stars, known for his charm and versatility. He appeared in nearly 200 films and series and worked with numerous renowned directors like Bernardo Bertolucci, Federico Fellini, and Clint Eastwood. In 2017, he received an Honorary Oscar, but never won a regular one.
Born in New Brunswick, Canada, Donald had a challenging childhood, battling illnesses like Polio, Hepatitis, and rheumatic fever. Despite one of his legs being shorter, he survived to become an imposing figure standing at 1.93 meters. He would joke about his appearance, calling himself odd-looking.
After studying theater and engineering in Toronto, Donald moved to London at 22 to attend the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. He quickly gained fame in cult British TV series like "Mrs. Robinson Crusoe" and "The Saint".
His first major break in film was in Robert Aldrich's war drama "The Dirty Dozen" (1967), alongside stars like Charles Bronson, Lee Marvin, and Telly Savalas. He then starred as a bold army doctor in Robert Altman's anti-war satire "MAS*H" (1970) and as a private investigator in "Klute" (1971). He was romantically linked to his "Klute" co-star Jane Fonda for a while and joined her in anti-Vietnam War protests.
His chilling performance in the horror classic "Don't Look Now" (1973) is still considered one of his outstanding performances as a character actor. In the 1970s, he collaborated with Bertolucci in the epic "1900" and took on the lead role in Fellini's "Casanova".
A man of boundless creative energy, Donald remained active even in his later years. In the Hunger Games film series, he made a lasting impression as the oppressive ruler of a post-apocalyptic America.
In a 2011 interview with Esquire, Donald compared aging to a new profession—one you haven't chosen for yourself. He also talked about death, referring to it as a "small lonely journey."
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- Kiefer Sutherland, an esteemed actor himself, shared his grief over his father's passing, praising Donald as a legendary figure in the industry.
- The series "The Hunger Games" featured a powerful performance from Donald Sutherland, showcasing his continued relevance in the arts even in his later years.
- Throughout his illustrious career, Donald Sutherland worked with a diverse range of artists and actors, including the renowned British actress Helen Mirren.
- In addition to his work in film, Donald Sutherland also graced several television series, contributing to his extensive portfolio of over 200 projects.
- Donald Sutherland's contributions to cinema earned him admiration from world leaders; US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau both mourned his passing.
- Two other notable actors, Donald Sutherland's son Kiefer and grandson Kiefer, followed in his footsteps, continuing his legacy in the field of acting.
- Recognized for his outstanding work, Donald Sutherland received numerous accolades, including an Honorary Oscar in 2017, though he never won a regular Academy Award.
- Despite the challenges he faced in his youth, including serious illnesses and physical limitations, Donald Sutherland rose to become a towering figure in Hollywood, standing at over 6 feet tall.
- As Donald Sutherland's passing marked the end of an era in the world of artists and actors, fans and colleagues alike celebrated his impact and the indelible impression he left on the industry.
