Donald Sutherland, the prolific Canadian actor who was known for taking on a variety of acting roles, has died at age 88. He died on Thursday, June 20, 2024, in Miami, Florida, after a long illness, reported The Hollywood Reporter. His son, Kiefer Sutherland, also shared the news on social media in a heartfelt tribute to his dad.
On Instagram, he wrote that his dad was "one of the most important actors in the history of film," in his opinion.
"With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away," Kiefer wrote on social media.
He also noted how his dad took on diverse roles. Sutherland was in MASH, The Hunger Games, The Dirty Dozen, and Animal House, among other movies and shows.
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"Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly," his son continued. "He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that."
"A life well lived," Kiefer concluded.
Sutherland spent more than 60 years of his life acting and appeared in more than 200 films and TV shows. He was given an Honorary Oscar in 2017.
He won two Golden Globe awards: one for his role in Path to War and another for Citizen X, which he was also awarded an Emmy for.
Filmmaker and actor Edgar Wright also took to social media with a tribute to the late actor. "RIP the great Donald Sutherland, a favourite actor and always fascinating screen presence," Wright wrote on X.
In the post, Wright drew attention to Sutherland's "legendary filmography," calling him "a funny, laconic, but also intense and dramatic presence in so many memorable movies."
"So sorry to see you go Donald, but what a legacy you leave behind," Wright concluded.
On X, director Ron Howard called Sutherland "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," Howard wrote.
In addition to being a legendary and well-respected actor, Sutherland was a dad to five children: Kiefer, Rachel, Roeg, Rossif, and Angus. He is also survived by his wife, Francine Racette, to whom he was married for more than 50 years.
