The life and work of Donald Sutherland in photos

"A life well lived"

As he announced his father's death, Kiefer Sutherland described him as "one of the most important actors in the history of film. Never daunted by a role, good, bad, or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. A life well lived." That's how he said goodbye to the iconic Donald Sutherland.

The legendary actor passed away on June 20, 2024

The talented actor stood a towering 6'4", with stunning blue eyes and an unconventional look. Sutherland enjoyed an acting career spanning over six decades. His death, at the age of 88, was confirmed by his son, Kiefer Sutherland.

He suffered from multiple illnesses as a young child

Sutherland was born in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. Unfortunately, he contracted both Scarlett Fever and Polio as a child and spent much of his younger years infirm and confined to bed.

He obtained formal training in theatre

He earned a dual degree in engineering and drama from the University of Toronto. He then moved to London to attend the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art to devote his time to acting.

He made his film debut in 1964

He starred alongside actor Christopher Lee in the horror film 'Castle of the Living Dead.'

In 1970, he played 'Hawkeye Pierce' in Robert Altman's 'M*A*S*H'

Sutherland played the lead role in the critically acclaimed dark comedy set in a field hospital during the Korean War.

He shared the screen with Jane Fonda in 'Klute'

Sutherland was cast as 'John Klute,' a private investigator while Fonda played a call girl named 'Bree' in the 1971 psychological thriller. The film received high praise and multiple awards.

A 1970s leading man

Sutherland and Fonda shared a romantic relationship from 1970-1972. They also starred together in 'F.T.A,' the 1972 anti-Vietnam war documentary and 'Steelyard Blues' in 1973.

'Revenge of the Body Snatchers'

The classic science fiction horror film was remade in 1978 and starred Sutherland, Brooke Adams, and Leonard Nimoy. The film is considered by many to be one of the greatest film remakes in history.

'The Hunger Games' Trilogy

In 2012, Sutherland was cast as the fascist dictator, 'President Coriolanus Snow,' in the 'The Hunger Games.' He reprised the role for sequels in 2013, 2014, and 2015.

Sutherland had a complicated romantic history

The actor was married three times. He was first married to Lois May Hardwick from 1959 to 1966. He married Canadian actress and activist Shirley Douglas in 1966 and they divorced in 1970. The couple shared twins, Rachel and Kiefer Sutherland.

Sutherland was able to share the screen with his son Kiefer

The Sutherlands costarred in the 1996 film 'A Time to Kill' and in the Canadian western film, 'Forsaken' in 2015.

He got remarried in 1972

Francine Racette, a French Canadian actress, met Sutherland on the set of the film 'Alien Thunder.' Together they shared three sons: Rossif, Angus, and Roeg. Each of their boys was named after a director that Sutherland had worked with and admired in his career.

He received many honours throughout his career

Sutherland won a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe award for his work on the 1995 miniseries, 'Citizen X.' He received an honorary Academy Award in 2017 recognizing his impressive career in film.

His last acting role was in the 2023 miniseries 'Lawman: Bass Reeves'

Sutherland had a recurring role as 'Judge Isaac Parker,' in this series which tells the true story of one of the first African American deputy U.S. marshals. The series stars actor David Oyelowo.