Donald Sutherland, the Canadian actor whose wry, arrestingly off-kilter screen presence spanned more than half a century of films from “M.A.S.H.” to “The Hunger Games,” has died. He was 88.
Sutherland’s representative, Creative Artists Agency, released a statement on Thursday confirming his death in Miami following a protracted illness.
Kiefer Sutherland said on X that he believed his father was 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.”
The tall and gaunt Sutherland, who flashed a grin that could be sweet or diabolical, was known for offbeat characters like Hawkeye Pierce in Robert Altman’s “M.A.S.H.,” the hippie tank commander in “Kelly’s Heroes,” and the stoned professor in “Animal House.”
“Donald was a giant, not only physically but as a talent,” Sutherland’s “M.A.S.H.” co-star Elliott Gould said in a statement to The Associated Press, as many paid tribute. “He was also enormously kind and generous.”
Sutherland embodied the erratic, anti-establishment filmmaking of the 1970s before going on to have a lengthy career as a recognised character actor. His career was unrelenting, as he starred in about 200 TV shows and films.
Sutherland’s career spanned over 60 years. He saw a resurgence in popularity with a younger audience in recent years thanks to his role as the evil President Snow in The Hunger Games franchise.
The Emmy and Golden Globe winner made a name for himself long before that, appearing on MAS*H, Klute and the 1970s horror movie ‘Don’t Look Now.’
In addition to playing the stoned professor in ‘Animal House’ and the hippy tank commander in ‘Kelly’s Heroes’, the tall, gaunt actor had a smile that could be both malicious and endearing.
Over the years, Sutherland has demonstrated his versatility in more sombre but offbeat roles, such as Oliver Stone’s ‘JFK’ and Robert Redford’s ‘Ordinary People.’
In 2022, he appeared in what would be his last projects, ‘Lawmen: Bass Reeves and Swimming With Sharks.’
Preproduction on the apocalyptic film ‘Heart Land’, starring Sutherland, was scheduled to begin soon.
The actor’s memoir, Made Up, But Still True, was due out in November.
According to Variety, Sutherland was nominated for a Human Trafficking Emmy in 2006 and won an Emmy in 1995 for his work in ‘Citizen X.’
His performance with Mary Tyler Moore and Timothy Hutton in ‘Ordinary People’ was amazing. His tenderness as a loving father was heartfelt, and he made that possible.
He gave us some amazing roles in his career. What a legend, brilliant at his craft.
His performance was enjoyable, and I do not doubt that his work will be appreciated for many years to come.
This man was far superior to the present generation as an actor. This is definitely worthy of making headlines!
After the demise of these wonderful classic actors, it’s going to be very boring move-wise. There are a token few but not sure if they will last the distance.
Donald Sutherland has never produced a subpar movie. His captivating personality made him flexible. He had it all—voice, appearance, and acting prowess to make you feel as though you were actually in the role he was portraying.
Donald Sutherland had that glee behind his eyes. He could be funny and sinister – a great actor that will be missed.
THE MONTHLY MOSQUITO 