Donald Sutherland tributes: Hollywood pays respects to ‘true artist’ after death
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The passing of Donald Sutherland, who lived to be 88 years old, has sparked an overwhelming response of heartfelt tributes and cherished memories from various celebrities and well-known individuals in the entertainment industry.
The Canadian actor, who was known for his work in a variety of movies and television series like The Hunger Games, MASH, and Don’t Look Now, passed away on Thursday (June 20) in Miami, Florida.
Kiefer Sutherland, who is the son of the late actor and singer Donald Sutherland, shared the sad news of his father's passing on social media. In a heartfelt message on X/Twitter, Kiefer wrote: "It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Donald Sutherland."
I believe that this actor is truly significant in the world of film. No matter the type of role, whether good or bad, they always approached it with courage. They had a passion for their work and found joy in doing what they loved. Their life was truly fulfilling.
Many famous people, like actor Michael Douglas and singer Nancy Sinatra, have responded to the passing of Sutherland by expressing their sincere sympathy.
Next to a picture of himself and Sutherland in the 1994 movie Disclosure, Douglas posted on Instagram: "Such a wonderful, skilled, and inquisitive man. Rest in peace Donald Sutherland."
Music artist Nancy Sinatra posted on Twitter the Rolling Stone article about his passing, writing: "This is so sad. Rest in peace, Donald Sutherland," alongside a broken heart emoji.
Jane Fonda, who won an Oscar, and acted in the exciting movie Klute with Donald Sutherland in 1971, posted a black-and-white picture of a younger Sutherland from the movie on her Instagram. She wrote: “I am shocked to hear that Donald Sutherland has passed away. He was my interesting co-star in Klute and we enjoyed working together. In this picture, we are on the set of Klute with director Alan Pakula."
Donald was a talented actor and a complicated individual who experienced many exciting moments with me, like the FTA Show. This anti-Vietnam war tour entertained over 60,000 soldiers, sailors, and marines in Hawaii, Okinawa, the Philippines, and Japan in 1971. I am devastated.
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Actress Helen Mirren, who acted alongside Donald Sutherland in The Leisure Seeker (2017), honored her former co-star in a message to The Hollywood Reporter. Mirren described Sutherland as one of the most intelligent actors she has ever collaborated with, noting his inquisitive nature and vast knowledge on many topics. She emphasized his intelligence, sensitivity, and dedication to his craft as an actor, all of which contributed to his legendary status in the film industry. Mirren considered Sutherland not only a colleague but also a friend, and expressed her sadness at his passing.
During a press event in Westville, Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau received the news of Sutherland's passing.
"I was unaware, but I appreciate you informing me," he said to the reporter.
"When I was younger, I met Donald Sutherland and even though I didn't fully appreciate his brilliance at the time, I was very impressed and starstruck," Trudeau shared.
"He was a man who made a big impact, excelled in his work, and was a wonderful Canadian artist. We will miss him greatly."
I want to send my condolences to Kiefer and his family, as well as to all Canadians who are surely feeling just as upset as I am at this moment.
Tom Blyth, who played a younger version of Coriolanus Snow in the Hunger Games prequel Ballads of Songbirds and Snakes, expressed his gratitude to the actor for creating such a iconic movie character.
British filmmaker Edgar Wright spoke highly of Sutherland's body of work, calling him a beloved actor with a consistently captivating on-screen presence.
Roland Emmerich, who collaborated with Sutherland on Moonfall, posted on X: "It was a great privilege to work with the incredibly talented and renowned Donald Sutherland on MOONFALL. A true legend of contemporary cinema has passed away. My deepest sympathies go out to his family."
What a tragic update! He was always a fan favorite and truly talented. My heart breaks for him. Rest in peace x," Kim Cattrall from Sex and the City wrote on Variety's article about the actor from Pride and Prejudice.
Duncan Jones, who won a Bafta award and is the son of the famous musician David Bowie, expressed his gratitude to Kiefer for "sharing his talents with us." He also mentioned that we have all been enriched by the passion and skill he poured into his work.
"One of the best actors of all time who took on countless amazing roles," Piers Morgan posted on Twitter with a picture of Sutherland. "It's heartbreaking news."
"I'm sorry to hear about your loss," said Karl Kaufman, a popular writer, in response to Kiefer. He mentioned Kiefer's impressive list of movies, such as Klute, Hunger Games, Don't Look Now, Animal House, and M*A*S*H.
Stacey [Weitzman] and I want to express our sincerest condolences to you, Barry. Happy Days actor Henry Winkler also shared his feelings, saying, "Your father was truly one of a kind."
"Hey buddy, I love you. I'm really sorry. I'm here for you," stated Michael Rosenbaum, who is known for his role in Smallville.
"The first actor I collaborated with at the age of 10," Austrian actor Nadiv Molcho (Trigger Warning) remarked on The Hollywood Reporter's Instagram post. "A genuine creative spirit."
Sutherland is remembered by his wife Francine Racette, his sons Roeg, Rossif, Angus, and Kiefer, his daughter Rachel, and his four grandchildren. The family will have a private gathering to honor his life.
