Thespian Donald Sutherland Passes at 88
The luminary of cinematic masterpieces such as “The Hunger Games” and “Animal House” has succumbed to a protracted ailment.
Actor Donald Sutherland, illustrious for his roles in “The Hunger Games” and “Don’t Look Now,” has departed this world at the age of 88 following an extended illness.
His progeny, fellow actor Kiefer Sutherland, conveyed the somber news in an official communiqué.
“With profound sorrow, I must inform you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has departed. In my estimation, he stands among the paramount actors in the annals of cinema,” he expressed.
“Unafraid of any role, whether virtuous, villainous, or ambiguous, he embraced his craft with fervor. A life well-lived, indeed.”
The announcement prompted a deluge of condolences and tributes in honor of Donald Sutherland.
Actor Cary Elwes expressed his sorrow on Instagram.
“Our hearts are heavy for you,” he penned in a comment to Kiefer. “Immensely grateful for the privilege of knowing and collaborating with him. Sending our love.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged Sutherland’s passing during a press conference in Westville, N.S., reminiscing about feeling “profoundly, profoundly starstruck” upon their first meeting.
“My thoughts are with Kiefer and the entire Sutherland family, as well as with all Canadians who, like myself, are deeply saddened by this news,” he stated.
“He possessed a formidable presence, a brilliance in his craft, and was truly an extraordinary Canadian artist,” he added.
Ron Howard, who directed Sutherland in the 1991 action film “Backdraft,” paid homage to Sutherland on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“One of the most intelligent, intriguing, and captivating film actors of all time,” he wrote. “Incredible range, creative bravery, and unwavering dedication to the narrative and the audience.”
Sutherland’s oeuvre encompassed nearly 200 credits, including iconic films like “The Dirty Dozen,” “MAS*H,” and “Klute.”
Hailing from New Brunswick, Canada, Sutherland began his career as a radio news reporter before venturing to London in 1957 to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
He subsequently secured minor roles in British film and television.
His initial cinematic forays often revolved around military themes. He featured in “The Dirty Dozen,” a 1967 World War II action film, and in the 1970 film “MAS*H,” depicting medics during the Korean War.
Jane Fonda co-starred with Sutherland in Alan J. Pakula’s 1971 thriller “Klute,” where he portrayed a detective aided by a high-priced call girl in his search for a missing person.
Sutherland and Fonda were romantically involved for two years before parting ways.
The 1970s also saw him embodying an IRA operative in “The Eagle Has Landed,” a cannabis-enthusiast professor in “National Lampoon’s Animal House,” and the protagonist in the 1978 remake of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.”
In the 1980s, Sutherland depicted the father of a suicidal adolescent in the Academy Award-winning “Ordinary People.”
His career transitioned to television in the 2000s, with appearances in series such as “Dirty Sexy Money” and “Commander-in-Chief.”
Despite his prolific career, the Canadian actor never received an Oscar nomination, though he was honored with an honorary Academy Award in 2017.
Sutherland was renowned for his political activism, notably protesting the US war in Vietnam alongside Fonda. Their efforts were documented in the 1972 film “F.T.A.”
Sutherland infused his roles with his convictions, including his portrayal of the despotic President Snow in “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2,” released in 2015. In this film, Sutherland’s character becomes the target of heroine Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence, who aims to overthrow the oppressive regime.
In a 2015 interview with BBC News, Sutherland expressed his hope that the film’s socio-political message would awaken young viewers to global realities. In the narrative, Panem is depicted as a society where an elite minority subjugates the impoverished majority.
“I have believed for the past 30 years that the younger generation lacked political awareness,” Sutherland remarked. “Our collective aim was to engage them. As Bruce Springsteen said, ‘Blind faith in your leaders… will get you killed.'”
Sutherland’s demise precedes the upcoming November release of his memoir, “Made Up, But Still True,” chronicling his personal journey as an actor.
In his 2015 BBC News interview, Sutherland noted a significant shift in the industry, observing that contemporary actors are amassing substantial wealth.
“I don’t think any of my contemporaries became actors for financial gain. It never crossed my mind. I earned £8 a week on stage in London. When I headlined a play at the Royal Court, I made £17 a week, that was in 1964,” he recounted.
At that time, he had no intentions of retiring from acting.
“It’s a passionate pursuit. For actors, retirement is tantamount to ‘DEATH’,” he declared.