Kiefer Sutherland has recently shared a heartfelt homage to his father, the famed actor Donald Sutherland, following his passing at the age of 88. Through a touching message on X (formerly Twitter), Kiefer celebrated his father’s remarkable journey through life, describing it as ‘a life well lived’. The post stated: “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.”
The outpouring of respect and admiration following Donald’s passing includes tributes from numerous high-profile figures within the acting community. Helen Mirren reflected on his profound intellect and sensitivity, commenting: “He had a wonderful enquiring brain, and a great knowledge on a wide variety of subjects.”
Mirren further noted that Sutherland “combined this great intelligence with a deep sensitivity”
“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.”
Peter Bradshaw, film critic for The Guardian, called Sutherland an ‘aristocrat of screen actors’. Furthermore, a touching gesture was captured on video as red roses were placed on Sutherland’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Known for his role as the formidable President Snow in the Hunger Games series, where he plays an authoritarian figure opposite Jennifer Lawrence’s revolutionary character, Katniss Everdeen, Sutherland was a versatile actor whose career included a diverse range of characters.
He also gained fame through the military comedy M*A*S*H*, and earned an Emmy for his role in Citizen X.
The profound impact of Donald Sutherland’s career and life was evident in the reactions to Kiefer’s emotional post. One fan expressed their admiration, stating: “He was one of my favorites Kiefer. I loved you both in Forsaken. He will be remembered forever as a legend. Donald Sutherland was one of a kind. Rest in peace.”
Another shared their gratitude: “Thank you for sharing him with us, Kiefer. We all benefited from the talent and love he put into his work.”
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
Adding to the tributes, another commenter remarked: “One of those cases where a son calling his father ‘one of the most important actors in the history of film’ isn’t some post-mortem hyperbole but is actually just an accurate description of his father’s life and career, because he really was that amazing.”
Donald Sutherland was born on July 17, 1935, in Saint John, New Brunswick, and he passed away in Miami on June 20, 2024, after battling a long illness.