Celebrities Remember Donald Sutherland
Donald Sutherland died on Thursday at 88 in Miami. His son Kiefer Sutherland shared the news in a statement on X. “With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away,” Kiefer captioned a photo of himself as a child with his dad. “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.”
Best known for his roles in The Hunger Games, M*A*S*H, Klute, and Ordinary People, Sutherland had an acting career that spanned six decades. He received an Academy Honorary Award in 2017. Following the news of his death, the official X account for The Hunger Games movies wrote: “We asked the kindest man in the world to portray the most corrupt, ruthless dictator we’ve ever seen. Such was the power and skill of Donald Sutherland’s acting that he created one more indelible character among many others that defined his legendary career.” On social media, fans recalled their favorite Sutherland roles while actors and directors shared their favorite memories.
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
Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda posted a photo of herself and Sutherland on the set of their 1971 film, Klute. She wrote that Sutherland “was a brilliant actor and a complex man who shared quite a few adventures with me.”
Helen Mirren
Helen Mirren, who starred with Sutherland in The Leisure Seeker, said in a statement published by Variety: “Donald Sutherland was one of the smartest actors I ever worked with. He had a wonderful enquiring 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 that he became. He was my colleague and became my friend. I will miss his presence in this world.”
Michael Douglas
Michael Douglas, who starred in the 1994 mystery thriller Disclosure with Sutherland, shared a photo of the two to Instagram, writing, “What a lovely, talented, and curious man. RIP Donald Sutherland.”
President Joe Biden
Donald Sutherland was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and one-of-a-kind actor who inspired and entertained the world for decades.
— President Biden (@POTUS) June 20, 2024
My thoughts are with his family and all those who loved him.
Elijah Wood
aww man. farewell, Donald Sutherland pic.twitter.com/UbvLs3WG9a
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) June 20, 2024
Ron Howard
#RIPDonaldSutherland. I was blessed to direct him in #Backdraft. 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. https://t.co/kw601XQ6uh
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) June 20, 2024
Rob Lowe
Today we lost one of our greatest actors, Donald Sutherland. It was my honor to work with him many years ago, and I will never forget his charisma and ability. If you want a master class in acting, watch him in “Ordinary People”. My condolences to Kiefer. pic.twitter.com/qjMz69Nraq
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) June 20, 2024
Margaret Atwood
Oh no! He went to Vic in Toronto..he was a great actor even then. https://t.co/MJS3Nf6UIW
— Margaret E Atwood (@MargaretAtwood) June 20, 2024