Donald Sutherland dies aged 88

Donald Sutherland, a famous Canadian actor known for his roles in movies such as The Hunger Games and Don't Look Now, passed away at the age of 88 after a prolonged illness.

Kiefer Sutherland sadly announced on social media that his father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. He expressed his deep sadness at the loss of his father, who he believes was one of the most significant actors in the history of cinema.

Never discouraged by any job, whether it was good, bad, or difficult. He had a passion for his work and did what he enjoyed, and you can't ask for anything more than that. He lived a fulfilling life.

Sutherland had nearly 200 accomplishments in his career that lasted for over 50 years.

The announcement was greeted with overwhelming support and heartfelt tributes.

Actor Rob Lowe, who worked with Sutherland on the miniseries Salem's Lot, praised his former colleague as "one of the best actors in our time."

"I had the privilege of working with him years ago, and his charm and talent will always stay with me," he posted on X/Twitter.

Cary Elwes, who acted alongside Sutherland in the television movie Uprising from 2001, expressed deep sadness and shock over Sutherland's passing.

"We are deeply saddened for you," he said to Kiefer in a message on Instagram. "I feel lucky to have met [and] worked with him. Sending our love."

When Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau first met Sutherland, he admitted to feeling very star-struck.

"I am sending my condolences to Kiefer and his family, as well as to all Canadians who are surely feeling sorrowful, just like I am," he expressed.

He had a powerful presence, exceptional talent, and was undoubtedly a talented artist from Canada," he continued.

Ron Howard, who was the director of the movie Backdraft that starred Sutherland in 1991, described him as one of the smartest, captivating, and fascinating actors in the history of film.

Originally from New Brunswick, Canada, Sutherland began his career as a radio news reporter before heading to London in 1957 to attend the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

After that, he landed minor parts in British movies and TV shows.

He first appeared in notable movies that focused on wars, such as The Dirty Dozen in 1967 and Kelly's Heroes and M*A*S*H in 1970.

Jane Fonda acted alongside Sutherland in the 1971 thriller film Klute, directed by Alan J Pakula. The movie revolves around a detective searching for a missing person with the help of a high-class prostitute.

They were in a relationship for a couple of years.

During the 1970s, he portrayed different characters such as an IRA member in The Eagle Has Landed, a college professor who smokes pot in National Lampoon's Animal House, and the main role in the 1978 version of Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

During the 1980s, Sutherland portrayed the role of a father to a teenager who was struggling with suicidal thoughts in the critically acclaimed film Ordinary People, which went on to win an Oscar.

He started working on TV shows in the 2000s, featuring in series like Dirty Sexy Money and Commander-in-Chief.

Even though he played many different characters, he never got an Oscar nomination. However, he was given a special Academy Award in 2017.

Sutherland was recognized for his strong involvement in politics throughout his time in the spotlight, actively demonstrating against the Vietnam war alongside Fonda.

He showed his beliefs through some of his acting roles, like when he portrayed the cruel President Snow in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2.

In 2015, Sutherland expressed to the BBC his desire for the movie's social and political themes to raise awareness among young viewers about the world.

The official Hunger Games Twitter account posted a message after the announcement of his death, stating that they had asked the nicest man in the world to play the most corrupt and ruthless dictator they had ever seen. Donald Sutherland's acting was so powerful and skilled that he created another unforgettable character in his legendary career. They felt lucky to have known and worked with him, and their condolences are with his family.

He mentioned to the BBC that the most significant difference he had observed in the industry was that actors were earning "a substantial amount of money".

I don't believe any of the people in my age group decided to become an actor in order to earn money. It never crossed my mind. I was making £8 every week when I was performing on stage in London. In 1964, when I had a leading role in a play at the Royal Court, I was making £17 a week.

He mentioned that he wasn't thinking about retiring from acting.

"It's a labor of love. For actors, retirement is synonymous with 'the end'," he declared.

He will release his autobiography, called Made Up, But Still True, in November.