Kiefer Sutherland recently paid a touching tribute to his father, the legendary actor Donald Sutherland, who passed away on June 20 at the age of 88. The younger Sutherland shared the news on social media, accompanied by a nostalgic photo of the two from Kiefer’s childhood.
“With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away,” Kiefer wrote. “I personally think 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.”
Donald Sutherland, a Canadian-born actor, rose to fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s with iconic roles in films like “The Dirty Dozen” and “M*A*S*H.” Over his illustrious career, he delivered memorable performances in movies such as “Klute,” “1900,” “Animal House,” “Ordinary People,” “JFK,” “Pride & Prejudice,” and “The Hunger Games” series. His work in television was equally impressive, earning him a Golden Globe for “Path to War” and both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for “Citizen X.” In 2017, he received an honorary Oscar for his extensive body of work.
In 2016, Donald and Kiefer Sutherland co-starred in the Western film “Forsaken,” marking the first time they appeared onscreen together. “He’s someone I wanted to work with for my whole career,” Kiefer said during a joint appearance on TODAY in February 2016. “I’m going to embarrass him right now but I have always felt that not only is my father one of the most prolific actors in the English language but he’s also one of the most important.”
Donald Sutherland’s family includes his children Kiefer, Rachel, Roeg, Rossif, and Angus. Kiefer, who followed in his father’s footsteps, starred in numerous hit movies in the 1980s and 1990s, including “Stand By Me,” “The Lost Boys,” and “A Few Good Men.” He later gained fame on television, winning an Emmy for his role as Jack Bauer in “24.”
Rachel Sutherland, Kiefer’s twin sister, has worked behind the scenes in television as a production manager and producer. Kiefer has often spoken about their close bond, saying, “Being a twin taught me the value of having a companion.”
Roeg Sutherland, born to Donald and his third wife Francine Racette, works in the Media Finance division of the Creative Artists Agency. Rossif Sutherland, another son from Donald’s marriage to Racette, also pursued acting, appearing in TV series like “The Handmaid’s Tale” and movies such as “Possessor” and “River.” Rossif once expressed his admiration for his father’s talent, saying, “I never really had an interest in being an actor, but I was always in awe of what my father did.”
Angus Sutherland, the youngest of Donald’s children, has worked as a producer on films like “1917” and “November Criminals” and has also appeared as an actor in “Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay.”
Donald Sutherland’s career spanned over seven decades, earning him numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. Despite never receiving an Academy Award nomination, he was honored with an Academy Honorary Award in 2017. His contributions to film and television have left an indelible mark on the industry.
As the Sutherland family mourns the loss of their patriarch, they plan to hold a private celebration of his life at a later date. Kiefer’s heartfelt tribute serves as a reminder of the profound impact Donald Sutherland had on his family and the world of entertainment.
