It has been revealed that beloved Canadian actor Donald Sutherland has passed away at the age of 88.
The news was confirmed by his son, fellow actor Kiefer Sutherland.
Donald Sutherland was a widely known and respected actor who appeared in the likes of The Dirty Dozen, Don’t Look Now, and more recently, The Hunger Games franchise.
The star died on Thursday 20 June 2024 in Miami, United States.
“With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away,” his son Kiefer Sutherland wrote on X.
“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.”
Tributes have already begun pouring in from friends, family, colleagues and fans who are all deeply saddened by the loss of Donald.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also shared his condolences.
“My thoughts go out to Kiefer and the entire Sutherland family, as well as all Canadians who are no doubt saddened to learn, as I am right now.
“He was a man with a strong presence, a brilliance in his craft and truly, truly a great Canadian artist,” he added.
Happy Days actor turned director Ron Howard, who worked with Donald on the 1991 film Backdraft, also shared a touching tribute.
“One of the most intelligent, interesting and engrossing film actors of all time,” he wrote on social media.
“Incredible range, creative courage and dedication to serving the story and the audience with supreme excellence.”
Helen Mirren also shared a statement about the actor, saying, “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. Helen co-starred with Donald in The Leisure Seekers in 2017.
“Today we lost one of our greatest actors, Donald Sutherland. It was my honour to work with him many years ago, and I will never forget his charisma and ability,” fellow actor Rob Lowe also wrote on X.
Donald Sutherland had an incredible career that spanned more than 60 years, and he appeared in countless iconic roles.
The actor received numerous accolades over the course of his acting career, including an Emmy Award and two Golden Globes.
Donald is also often referred to as the ‘best actor to never receive a nomination for an Academy Award’, however he received an honorary Oscar in 2017.
The actor leaves behind five children, twins Kiefer and Rachel, and sons Rossif, Angus, and Roeg.
