Renowned Canadian actor Donald Sutherland, known for captivating audiences in iconic films such as MASH, Klute, and The Hunger Games, passed away at 88. His son, actor Kiefer Sutherland, shared the news on social media, praising his father’s fearlessness in portraying diverse roles.
Donald’s career, spanning from the 1960s to the 2020s, showcased his versatility, transitioning seamlessly between character roles and romantic leads alongside stars like Jane Fonda and Julie Christie. Notable performances include his role as Hawkeye Pierce in MASH and a grieving father in Ordinary People.
Sutherland’s portrayal of President Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games franchise earned him a new generation of fans. He expressed gratitude to the characters he played during his acceptance of an honorary Academy Award in 2017, acknowledging their impact on his life.
Born in St John, New Brunswick, Donald Sutherland pursued acting after studying at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. His breakthrough came with The Dirty Dozen in 1967, followed by MASH, which aligned with his antiwar stance during the Vietnam era.
Sutherland’s activism extended to founding the Free Theater Associates with Jane Fonda, leading performances near military bases in Southeast Asia. His outspokenness resulted in being on the NSA’s Watch List from 1971 to 1973.
Tributes hailed Sutherland’s intellect and contributions to cinema. Ron Howard praised his captivating presence, while Helen Mirren highlighted his intelligence and sensitivity. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau honored him as a “great Canadian artist.”
Throughout his career, Sutherland earned accolades, including an Emmy, two Golden Globes, and a BAFTA. Survived by five children, his memoir, “Made Up, But Still True,” is set for release in November.