Donald Sutherland has died aged 88, ET confirmed.
The veteran actor died on Thursday in Miami after a long illness, but the official cause of death has not been released. Sutherland’s death comes just months before his memoir, Made up but still true, was scheduled to be published. His Hollywood career spanned six decades and included recognizable roles in M*A*S*H, Klute, Common people It is Hunger Games.
Following the news of his death, friends, family and co-stars of the beloved actor took to social media to share tributes to the late star.
Kiefer Sutherland, one of Sutherland’s five children, was the first to pay tribute. He took it to Instagram It is X (formerly Twitter) to write a cute post and share an old black and white photo of the two of them together.
“With a heavy heart, I say that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away.” Kiefer he wrote. “Personally, I consider him one of the most important actors in the history of cinema. He was never intimidated by a role, whether good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and you can never ask for more than that. A life well lived.”
Henry Winkler was moved by the news and tagged Kiefer in the X to share your condolences. He wrote: “Stacey and I send you our deepest condolences. Your father was truly unique. Sincerely, Henry.”
Another actor who sent his condolences to Kiefer was Rob Lowe.
“Today we lost one of our greatest actors, Donald Sutherland” he tweeted. “It was an honor to work with him many years ago and I will never forget his charisma and skill. If you want a master class in acting, watch him on ‘Ordinary People’. My condolences to Kiefer.”
Likewise, actress Kristy Swanson tweeted“My heart goes out to you, Kiefer. He was and always will be a beautiful man. May he rest in peace and love.”
Sutherland first made his mark in the 1967 WWII classic, The dirty dozen. That film would eventually help him land the role of Hawkeye Pierce in the 1970 war comedy, M*A*S*H. That same year, Sutherland appeared as the hippie tank commander “Oddball” in Kelly’s Heroes and later starred alongside Gene Wilder in the comedy Start the revolution without me.
Helen Mirren, who co-starred with Sutherland in The leisure seekerpraised Sutherland for his wisdom and acting skills.
“Donald Sutherland was one of the smartest actors I’ve ever worked with. He had a wonderful, curious brain and a wealth of knowledge on a wide variety of subjects,” she said in a statement to ET. “He combined this great intelligence with a deep sensitivity and a seriousness in his profession as an actor. All of this made him the cinematic legend he became. He was my colleague and became my friend. I will miss his presence in this world.”
Despite his talent, Sutherland was never nominated for an Oscar, but some of his films would win gold statuettes. In 1971, Sutherland starred alongside Jane Fonda in the psychological thriller directed by Alan J. Pakula. Klute, which was nominated for two Oscars – Best Original Screenplay and Best Actress, which went to Fonda. Sutherland was honored with an Honorary Oscar in 2017.
Fonda spoke about Sutherland’s passing in Instagram.
“I am surprised to hear that Donald Sutherland has died. He was my fascinating co-star in Klute and we loved working together,” she captioned a grayscale photo of her Klute days. “In this photo we are on the set of Klute with director Alan Pakula. Donald was a brilliant actor and a complex man who shared some adventures with me, such as the FTA Show, an anti-Vietnam War tour that performed in front of 60,000 active people. soldiers, sailors and Marines serving in Hawaii, Okinawa, the Philippines and Japan in 1971. I am heartbroken.”
Michael Peter Balzary, professionally known as Flea, also applauded Sutherland’s performance in Klute after his death.
“Just watched klute last week,” the Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist tweeted. “Donald Sutherland was an incredible screen presence again and again, one of the greatest. God bless.”
Sutherland won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie in 1995. Citizen X. He is also a two-time winner of the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor on Television for Citizen X and 2002 Road to war.
Many celebrities chose to tweet their feelings and share articles about Sutherland’s death when the news broke.
In a long post on X, director Edgar Wright paid tribute to Sutherland and his work, writing that he is sorry to see Sutherland go but is in awe of the legacy he leaves behind. He also encouraged his followers to list their favorite Sutherland films.
“RIP, the great Donald Sutherland, a favorite actor and always fascinating screen presence,” Wright wrote. “He starred in two of my favorite and most influential films – ‘Don’t Look Now’ and 1978’s ‘Invasion Of The Bodysnatchers’. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg in terms of his legendary filmography; a funny, laconic, but also intense and dramatic presence in so many memorable films, starting with his breakthrough in ‘The Dirty Dozen’, and then in a film. incredible run in the 70s, 80s and beyond with ‘M*A*S*H’, ‘Kelly’s Heroes’, ‘Little Murders’, ‘Klute’, ‘Don’t Look Now’, ‘The Day Of The Locust’ Ordinary People’ and ‘JFK’ among many others, I even love his early appearances in ‘Dr Terror’s House Of Horrors’ and ‘The World Ten Times Over’ as well as his very silly cameo in ‘Kentucky Fried Movie’. ‘”
Nancy Sinatra, the eldest daughter of Frank Sinatra and Nancy Sinatra, was vulnerable with her post. Alongside a broken heart emoji, she written“That hurts. Good luck, Donald Sutherland.”
Elijah Wood was equally heartbroken, writing“oh, man. goodbye, donald sutherland,” alongside a black and white photo of sutherland.
“#RIPDonaldSutherland”, Ron Howard tweeted. “I was blessed to direct him in #Backdraft. One of the smartest, most interesting and captivating film actors of all time. Incredible range, creative courage and dedication to serving the story and audience with supreme excellence.”
Singer-songwriter KT Tunstall kept her message short, writing, “Thank you for your greatness, Sir #DonaldSutherland.” Ben Stiller did the same, tweeting“Sending love and much respect,” with a single blue heart emoji.
Another celebrity impacted by Sutherland’s death was Michael McKean, who he wrote“RIP Donald Sutherland. Truly one of a kind, with a unique voice and presence. Phenomenal range.”
Piers Morgan mourned by tweeting“RIP Donald Sutherland, 88. One of my all-time favorite actors who played so many great roles. What a sad loss.”
Even Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau say goodbye.
His translated tweet reads: “We have lost one of our greats. Donald Sutherland mastered his craft like few people can. He was a remarkable and legendary actor – and an exceptional Canadian. My thoughts are with his loved ones. Rest in peace, Donald.” “
Hunger Games I also said goodbye for Sutherland, who played the villainous President Coriolanus Snow in the dystopian franchise. The first film premiered in 2012 and starred Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz and Stanley Tucci. Sutherland reprized his role in 2013 On fire2014 Thrush, Part 1 and 2015 Mockingbird, Part 2.
“We asked the kindest man in the world to portray the most corrupt and ruthless dictator we have ever seen. Such was the power and skill of Donald Sutherland’s performance that he created yet another indelible character among many others that defined his legendary career. We are privileged to have known and worked with him, and our thoughts are with his family.”
Sutherland’s most recent acting credits include the 2023 period drama film, Miranda’s victimand the Paramount+ series created by Taylor Sheridan, Lawmen: Bass Reeves.
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