Legendary Actor Donald Sutherland Dead at 88

Donald Sutherland, known for his decades-spanning career that included films and tv shows such as M*A*S*H, Ordinary People, Animal House, and The Hunger Games franchise, died this week at the age of 88. The actor's famous son, Kiefer Sutherland announced his passing on social media on Thursday.

"With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away," the 57-year-old posted to X, along with a black and white photo of his father holding him as a child. "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."

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

Variety confirmed with CAA, Sutherland's talent agency that he died in Miami on Thursday following a long illness.

Sutherland got his start by studying acting at the University of Toronto and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He made his big screen debut in the 1964 horror film Castle of the Living Dead, just a few years before his career-turning role in Robert Aldrich's 1967 war film The Dirty Dozen; alongside legendary actors including Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson, and John Cassavetes.

In 1995, Sutherland won both a Golden Globe and Emmy award for his supporting role in the HBO television film Citizen X, and a second Golden Globe for the HBO film Path to War in 2002. Despite his long list of film acting credits, Sutherland has never been nominated for an Academy Award. However, the organization bestowed him with an Honorary Academy Award in 2017.

Sutherland is survived by his wife  of over 50 years, French Canadian actress Francine Racette, the couple's three adult sons, Roeg, Rossif, and Angus; as well as Kiefer and his twin sister Rachel from his previous marriage to actress Shirley Douglas.