Donald Sutherland, the beloved actor known for his roles in classics like The Dirty Dozen, MASH, Klute, Animal House, and The Hunger Games, passed away on Thursday in Miami after a long illness. He was 88 years old.
The 2017 Honorary Oscar recipient also leaves behind a remarkable legacy through his children, including Emmy-winning actor Kiefer Sutherland and CAA Media Finance executive Roeg Sutherland. CAA confirmed the news on Thursday,
Sutherland’s impressive career spanned over 60 years and included around 200 film and TV credits. He was known for his versatile acting style, delivering unforgettable performances in roles ranging from the cool-headed detective John Klute in Klute to the cynical Hawkeye Pierce in MASH.
Born on July 17, 1935, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, Sutherland first made his mark in Robert Aldrich’s 1967 World War II drama The Dirty Dozen. His career soared from there, with standout performances in films like Kelly’s Heroes, Don’t Look Now, and Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
In 1980, he played Calvin Jarrett in Ordinary People, a role that earned widespread acclaim and contributed to the film winning four Oscars, including Best Picture. Throughout the 80s and 90s, Sutherland continued to shine in films like Backdraft, JFK, and Six Degrees of Separation.
Sutherland also found success on television, winning an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his role in HBO’s Citizen X. He continued to act in numerous TV shows and movies, including The Undoing, Trust, and The Pillars of the Earth.
Donald Sutherland is survived by his wife, Francine Racette; sons Roeg, Rossif, Angus, and Kiefer; daughter Rachel; and four grandchildren. The family will hold a private celebration of his life.
