Donald Sutherland passed away at the age of 88

Canadian actor Donald Sutherland, star of films including The Hunger Games and Don’t Look Now, has died at the age of 88 after a long illness.

His son, actor Kiefer Sutherland, said: “With a heavy heart, I inform you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. Personally, I think one of the most important actors in cinema history.”

“Never discouraged by a role whether good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one could never ask for more. A good life Pretty.”

Sutherland had nearly 200 credits to his name in a career that spanned more than half a century.

This news has received a lot of support and gratitude.

Actor Rob Lowe, who starred with Sutherland in the short-lived series Salem’s Lot, called his former co-star “one of our greatest actors”.

“I had the pleasure of working with him many years ago and I will never forget his charisma and ability,” he wrote on X/Twitter.

Cary Elwes, a co-star in the 2001 TV series Standing, said he was “saddened” by Sutherland’s death.

“Our hearts are breaking for you,” he told Kiefer in an Instagram message. “Grateful for knowing [and] worked with him Sending our love.

Born in New Brunswick, Canada, Sutherland began working as a radio news reporter before going to London in 1957 to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

He then took on small roles in British film and television.

His first prominent roles were in war films including The Dirty Dozen in 1967, Kelly’s Heroes and M*A*S*H from 1970.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recalls feeling “super impressed” when he first met Sutherland.

“My thoughts are with Kiefer and the entire Sutherland family, as well as all Canadians who are certainly saddened by the news, as I am right now,” he said.

“He was a man with a powerful presence, a remarkable talent for his craft and truly a great Canadian artist,” he added.

US President Joe Biden said Sutherland was “a one-of-a-kind actor who has inspired and entertained the world for decades”.

Ron Howard, who directed Sutherland in the 1991 film Backdraft, said he was “one of the smartest, most interesting actors”. [and] charismatic movie actors of all time”.

Jane Fonda was Sutherland’s co-star in Alan J Pakula’s 1971 thriller Klute, about a missing persons detective aided by a high-priced call girl.

They dated for two years.

In an Instagram tribute, Fonda described Sutherland as a “brilliant actor” with whom she shared “quite a few adventures,” including performances for active duty military personnel on tour. Anti-Vietnam War tour in Hawaii, Japan and the Philippines.

“I’m heartbroken,” she added.

The 1970s also saw him play an IRA member in The Eagle Has Landed, a marijuana-smoking college professor in National Lampoon’s Animal House and the title role in the 1978 remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

In the 1980s, Sutherland played the father of a suicidal teenager in the Oscar-winning film Ordinary People.

He transitioned to television in the 2000s, appearing in series such as Dirty sexy money and Commander-in-Chief.

Despite his many roles, he has never been nominated for an Oscar. He received an honorary Academy Award in 2017.

Sutherland was known for his political activism throughout his career and opposed the Vietnam War alongside Fonda.

He also infused his faith into some of his roles, including The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2, where he played the tyrannical President Snow.

Sutherland told the BBC in 2015 that he hoped the film’s sociopolitical message would help young fans become more aware of the world around them.

“We asked the kindest man in the world to play the most corrupt, ruthless dictator we have ever seen,” the official Hunger Games X account posted after the announcement of his death.

“Donald Sutherland’s strength and skill as an actor was such that he created an indelible character among many others that defined his legendary career. We were honored to know and working with him, and our thoughts go out to his family.”

He also told the BBC that the biggest changes he’s noticed in the industry is that actors are making “a lot of money”.

“I don’t think anyone in my generation became an actor to make money. I never thought about it. I earn £8 a week here.” [on stage in London]. When I played the lead in a play at the Royal Court, I earned £17 a week, that was in 1964,” he said.

At that time, he said he had no intention of retiring from acting.

“It was a passionate effort. Actors’ retirement spelled ‘DIE’.” he say.

His memoir, Made Up, But Still True, will be published in November.