1935 brought us a talented Canadian actor, and in 2024, we sadly lost him. The person we are talking about is Donald McNichol Sutherland, who starred in “M*A*S*H,” “Klute,” “Animal House,” “Hunger Games” and more.
His son, Kiefer Sutherland, said 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.”
From his early days in theater to his iconic performances on the big screen, Sutherland’s career spanned over seven decades. His talent and dedication made him a Hollywood legend.
A Journey Through Hollywood
Donald McNichol Sutherland was born in St. John, New Brunswick, to a salesman and a math teacher. He grew up in Nova Scotia and became a disc jockey with his own radio station at just 14.
“When I was 13 or 14, I really thought everything I felt was wrong and dangerous, and that God was going to kill me for it,” Sutherland told The New York Times in 1981. “My father always said, ‘Keep your mouth shut, Donnie, and maybe people will think you have character.'”
Initially an engineering student at the University of Toronto, Sutherland switched to English and began acting in school plays.
After graduating in 1956, he studied acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He started his career in West End plays and British television. Moving to Los Angeles, a series of war films shifted his career path.
Donald Sutherland’s breakthrough came with “The Dirty Dozen” (1967), where he played the psychopathic Vernon Pinkley. In 1970, he starred in “Kelly’s Heroes” and “M.A.S.H.,” the latter making him a star.
Even decades later, Sutherland is remembered for his roles as Hawkeye Pierce in “M.A.S.H.,” the hippie tank commander in “Kelly’s Heroes,” and the stoned professor in “Animal House.”
“There is more challenge in character roles,” Sutherland told The Washington Post in 1970. “There’s longevity. A good character actor can show a different face in every film and not bore the public.”
His career peaked in the 1970s, working with top directors like Federico Fellini (“Fellini’s Casanova”), Bernardo Bertolucci (“1900”), Claude Chabrol (“Blood Relatives”), and John Schlesinger (“The Day of the Locust”). Sutherland often said he saw himself as serving the director’s vision.
One of Donald Sutherland’s best performances was as a detective in Alan Pakula’s “Klute” (1971). Another standout role was in Nicolas Roeg’s “Don’t Look Now” (1973), where he starred with Julie Christie as a grieving couple in Venice.
In Robert Redford’s “Ordinary People” (1980), Sutherland played a father dealing with the loss of a child. The film, Redford’s directorial debut, won four Oscars, including Best Picture.
Although never nominated for an Academy Award, Sutherland achieved significant acclaim, including an Emmy, three Golden Globes, and a Critics Choice Award.
Beyond his accolades, Sutherland received stars on both the Canadian Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was also honored as an Officer of the Order of Canada (OC) and a Commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
In 2019, he was bestowed the highest honor of being named a Companion of the Order of Canada (CC).
Take a look back at some significant events in his life and career
1966
Sutherland married Douglas and became a father to twins, Kiefer and Rachel. Kiefer would later follow in his father’s footsteps.
1967
Sutherland’s film career took off after he joined the cast of The Dirty Dozen. The movie, led by Lee Marvin, was a hit at the box office and earned the Academy Award for Best Sound Editing at the 40th Academy Awards.
1970
Sutherland landed his breakthrough role in MAS*H as Hawkeye Pierce. The dark comedy set during the Korean War became a standout film of the early ‘70s, winning prestigious awards such as the Palme d’Or and an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.
1971
In 1971, following the success of “MAS*H,” Sutherland starred alongside Jane Fonda in “Klute,” a film that earned him acclaim.
During their collaboration, Sutherland and Fonda developed a close bond and reportedly became romantically involved, drawn together by their shared passion for activism.
They later teamed up again for the anti-Vietnam War documentary “F.T.A.”
1972
In 1972, two years after ending his relationship with Douglas, Sutherland married Racette. Together, they had three sons: Roeg, Rossif, and Angus.
1978
Initially turning down an offer for National Lampoon’s Animal House, Sutherland passed on a $20,000 day rate plus 2% of the box office, doubting the film’s potential.
However, Universal upped the ante to $25,000, making him the highest-paid actor on set. Despite his initial hesitation, the raucous comedy became a massive hit, raking in over $120 million.
Sutherland later admitted this decision cost him nearly $14 million.
1991
Taking on the role of Ronald Bartel in Backdraft, Sutherland dove into playing a villain alongside stars like Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, and Robert De Niro. The action-thriller soared at the box office and garnered three Academy Award nominations.
1995
Sutherland earned critical acclaim for his portrayal of Colonel Mikhail Fetisov in the TV movie Citizen X, clinching his first Emmy and Golden Globe awards.
2002
He won another Golden Globe for playing Clark M. Clifford in the TV movie “Path to War.”
2011
After a successful career spanning nearly forty years, Sutherland received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2015
After the success of the Hunger Games, Sutherland starred with his son Kiefer in the Western film “Forsaken.”
It was their third project together, having previously worked on “Max Dugan Returns” in 1983 and “A Time to Kill” in 1996, which helped kickstart Kiefer’s Hollywood career.
2020
Sutherland appeared in the HBO series “The Undoing” alongside Hugh Grant and Nicole Kidman. He received acclaim for his performance, winning a Critics Choice Award for his role in the limited series.
2024
At the age of 88, Sutherland passed away in June. Many expressed condolences over the loss of a legend.