MOVIE NEWS – Donald Sutherland’s death leaves a void in Hollywood, but his legacy lives on through his varied and acclaimed filmography.
Legendary American actor Donald Sutherland has died at the age of 88. The news of his death devastated Hollywood and movie fans alike. The actor recently completed his first book, a memoir that will undoubtedly be treasured by his fans and film buffs. The book Made Up, But Still True will be published on November 12, 2024. The actor died in Miami. Sutherland struggled with illness for most of his life.
Donald Sutherland’s career took place in parallel with the changes affecting Hollywood and the film itself.
He began his film career in some of the greatest war films of all time: The Dirty Dozen (1967), M*A*S*H (1970), Kelly’s Heroes (1970) and Johnny Got His Gun (1971). This coincided with his growing passion for politics and his participation in anti-war demonstrations. This was heightened after he met Jane Fonda in the Oscar-winning film Klute (1971). A romantic relationship and lifelong friendship developed between the two. In 1972 they prepared the F.T.A. (“f*ck the army”), a protest film based on their travelling performances.
Sutherland’s career has spanned over half a century, and he has dabbled in all film genres. He has many notable roles and popular films to his credit, from acclaimed works such as Ordinary People (1980) and JFK (1991) to popular franchises such as The Hunger Games.
Relatives, colleagues and fans bid farewell to Donald Sutherland
Widely regarded as one of his generation’s most prolific and talented performers, Canadian actor Donald Sutherland has amassed quite a few notable entries in his filmography. Now that he’s passed away, he’s received as many tributes from his established celebrity peers as there are movies worth watching.
Sutherland’s son Keifer, with whom he starred in 1983’s Max Dugan Returns, 1996’s A Time to Kill, and 2015’s Forsaken, announced the news of his father’s death. The younger Sutherland released the following heartfelt statement via his X (formerly Twitter) account:
“With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. 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.”
It’s a touching sentiment from his co-star who knew him best, but Kiefer isn’t the only example of the late Sutherland’s co-stars who have released a statement about his passing.
Also on X, a statement was published by Shaun of the Dead and Press, Baby, press! (Baby Driver) director Edgar Wright, who unfortunately never got to work with the M*A*S*H actor. Wright posted the following:
“RIP the great Donald Sutherland, a favorite actor and always fascinating screen presence.”
Wright went on to cite Don’t Look Now and the phenomenal remake of Invasion as two of his all-time favourite films. He also mentions his single cameo appearance in Klute, Ordinary People, and JFK (considered by many as the best of the epic-length film).
Helen Mirren, Sutherland’s co-star, also had some kind words for the late actor. In a statement to IndieWire, he said:
“Donald Sutherland was one of the smartest actors I ever worked with. He had a wonderful inquiring brain, and a great knowledge on a wide variety of subjects. He combined this great intelligence with a deep sensitivity, and with a seriousness about his profession as an actor. This all made him into the legend of film. He was my colleague and became my friend.”
Ron Howard, who directed Sutherland in a scene-stealing cameo as arsonist Ronald Bartel in Backdraft (1991), also released a statement via his X account. In the words of the director of Apollo 13:
“[Sutherland was] One of the most intelligent, interesting & engrossing film actors of all time. Incredible range, creative courage & dedication to serving the story & the audience with supreme excellence.”
In addition to those mentioned above, many people, from Robe Lowe to John Cusack and Michael Douglas to Roland Emmerich, remembered the acting giant. Sutherland was respected not only for his range as a performer but also for his professionalism and intelligence. One of the most significant events in recent Hollywood history has passed away. He will be missed not only by those who worked with him. But for everyone who has seen just one of his many, many fantastic performances…
With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. 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… pic.twitter.com/3EdJB03KKT
— Kiefer Sutherland (@RealKiefer) June 20, 2024
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