Donald Sutherland, the renowned actor known for his roles in films like “M.A.S.H.” and “The Hunger Games,” passed away at the age of 88. His son, Kiefer Sutherland, confirmed the news, praising his father as one of the most significant actors in film history. Donald Sutherland’s career spanned decades, and he was never afraid to take on diverse and unconventional roles.
Sutherland’s early career epitomized the rebellious and anti-establishment spirit of 1970s cinema. He portrayed offbeat characters like Hawkeye Pierce in “M.A.S.H.,” the hippie tank commander in “Kelly’s Heroes,” and the stoned professor in “Animal House.” These roles showcased his versatility and willingness to push boundaries.
However, as the years went by, Sutherland transitioned into more buttoned-down yet still eccentric characters. He demonstrated his range in films like Robert Redford’s “Ordinary People” and Oliver Stone’s “JFK.” Despite his success, Sutherland never retired and continued working until his death. He had a memoir scheduled for release in November titled “Made Up, But Still True.”
Throughout his career, Sutherland expressed his love for acting. In an interview with Charlie Rose, he described how he felt a sense of freedom when embodying different characters. He acknowledged that he may have been a little crazy but emphasized his passion for the craft.
Born in Canada, Sutherland initially pursued engineering before switching to English and acting. He attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts and began his career in British television and theater. Eventually, he made his way to Los Angeles and gained recognition for his performances in war films like “The Dirty Dozen” and “Kelly’s Heroes.”
One of Sutherland’s most acclaimed performances came in Alan Pakula’s “Klute,” where he played a detective. It was during the filming of this movie that he met Jane Fonda, with whom he had a three-year relationship. Sutherland had twins with his second wife, Shirley Douglas, in 1966. He later had three children with actress Francine Racette, whom he lived with for many years.
Despite never receiving an Oscar nomination for his work, Sutherland was presented with an honorary Oscar in 2017. He did win an Emmy for the TV film “Citizen X” and received multiple Golden Globe nominations, winning two.
In the ’80s, Sutherland faced some setbacks with films like “Gas” and “Crackers” failing to find success. However, he continued to work steadily and took on memorable roles in movies like Oliver Stone’s “JFK” and Robert Redford’s “Six Degrees of Separation.” In recent years, he focused more on television and delivered a remarkable performance as President Lyndon Johnson’s Secretary of Defense in HBO’s “Path to War.”
Donald Sutherland’s passing marks the end of an era in film. His contributions to the industry will forever be remembered, and his dedication to his craft serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors. His ability to transform into various characters and his willingness to challenge conventions made him a true icon.
