Donald Sutherland, Klute & Hunger Games actor, passes away at 88; son Keifer pays tribute: “A life well lived”

Donald Sutherland's career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood.

June 21, 2024 - 1:19 PM IST

Veteran actor Donald Sutherland, known for his captivating performances in films like MASH, Klute, Animal House, and the Hunger Games franchise, passed away peacefully on Thursday at the age of 88. The cause of death was reported to be complications from a long illness.

Donald Sutherland, Klute & Hunger Games actor, passes away at 88; son Keifer pays tribute: “A life well lived”

Actor Keifer Sutherland, son of Donald Sutherland, took to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday to inform the sad news. “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 than that. A life well lived,” he wrote in a statement.

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

Donald Sutherland's career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood. With a distinctive raspy voice and piercing gaze, he effortlessly embodied a range of characters - from the sardonic Hawkeye Pierce in the anti-war dramedy MASH to the chilling villain President Snow in the dystopian Hunger Games series.

Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada in 1936, Sutherland's passion for acting led him to England in the early 1960s. He honed his craft on stage before transitioning to film, where his breakthrough role came in Robert Altman's neo-noir thriller Klute (1971). His portrayal of a john drawn into the world of a high-class call girl (played by Jane Fonda) earned him widespread critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Sutherland's filmography is a testament to his versatility. He could be both charming and menacing, as evidenced by his roles in films like Kelly's Heroes (1970), Don't Look Now (1973), and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978). He brought a touch of humor to iconic comedies like National Lampoon's Animal House (1978) and Ordinary People (1980), the latter of which earned him another Academy Award nomination, this time for Best Actor.

In the latter half of his career, Sutherland continued to find success on both the big and small screen. He starred alongside Tom Cruise in the thriller Eye Wide Shut (1999) and lent his voice to characters in animated features like The Iron Giant (1999) and Monsters vs. Aliens (2009). He found a new generation of fans with his portrayal of the tyrannical President Snow in the hugely popular Hunger Games series (2012-2015).

A vocal advocate for social justice and environmental causes, he actively campaigned for various humanitarian organizations. He was also a dedicated family man, with his son Kiefer Sutherland following in his footsteps and becoming a renowned actor himself.