Legendary actor Donald Sutherland dies at 88
Hollywood actor Donald Sutherland passed away on Thursday at 88 after a long illness.
His son, actor Kiefer Sutherland, shared the news via social media, saying, “With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away.”
The New York Times quoted his talent agency, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), as saying the iconic actor died after a long illness.
Born on July 17, 1935, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, Sutherland’s illustrious career spanned over six decades.
He studied at the University of Toronto and later attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), honing his craft before making his mark in the film industry.
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Sutherland’s breakthrough role came in 1967 with “The Dirty Dozen,” in which his portrayal of Vernon Pinkley showcased his ability to blend humour with intensity. This role set the stage for a series of memorable performances in films such as “MASH (1970), in which he played the irreverent and witty Hawkeye Pierce, and “Klute” (1971), in which he starred opposite Jane Fonda, earning critical acclaim.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Sutherland’s career continued to soar with notable performances in “Don’t Look Now” (1973), “Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978), and “Ordinary People (1980), for which he received widespread praise.
In the later years of his career, Sutherland remained a prominent figure in Hollywood, taking on significant roles in films such as “JFK” (1991), “A Time to Kill” (1996), and “The Hunger Games” series (2012-2015), where he portrayed the menacing President Snow. His television work was equally notable, with performances in acclaimed series like “Dirty Sexy Money” and “Trust.”
Sutherland received an Honorary Academy Award in 2017, acknowledging his exceptional achievements and enduring influence on the industry.
The actor is survived by his wife, actress Francine Racette, and his five children, including Kiefer Sutherland, who followed in his father’s footsteps to become a celebrated actor in his own right.
