Donald Sutherland death updates — President Snow actor dies at 88 as son Kiefer pays tribute to a ‘life well lived’
DONALD Sutherland has died at 88.
The actor was known for his role as President Snow in The Hunger Games, as well as for his performances in Ordinary People, The Undoing, and M*A*S*H.
His son, Kiefer Sutherland, has paid tribute to the star on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away," the actor wrote.
"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."
Donald died in Miami today after a "long illness," according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Read our Donald Sutherland death blog for the latest updates...
Donald Sutherland's children and their jobs
Below are Donald Sutherland's kids and their professions:
- Kiefer - actor
- Roeg - media finance
- Rossif - actor
- Angus - actor/producer
- Rachel - production manager
'Feels like a dad passing'
Donald Sutherland fans continue to share heartfelt words on social media after learning of the actor's death earlier today.
Watching Donald's movies 'changed his life'
In Kiefer Sutherland's interview with People, he revealed that he sat down and watched as many of his father's movies as he could in one weekend - and it changed his life.
"I remember feeling really bad as a son that I wasn't aware of not only how prolific my father was as an actor but what he had really contributed to the art of cinema," Kiefer said at the time.
Kiefer added that he became closer to his father later in life. They had a strained relationship growing up as Kiefer was raised by Donald's second wife and his mom, Shirley Douglass.
"There is inevitably always going to be a point when the younger lion wants to take on the older lion," Kiefer added.
"And then there is always going to be a point when the older lion is going to need the younger lion to help."
Kiefer Sutherland wanted to work with his dad
In a resurfaced interview, Kiefer Sutherland expressed what working with his father Donald Sutherland meant to him.
Kiefer, 57, co-starred with his late dad, Donald, in the 2015 Western epic The Forsaken.
The two played a father and son in the film, which made the project especially meaningful.
"Working with him is something I have wanted to do for 30 years," Kiefer told People in 2016 after the film was released.
Inside Donald Sutherland's divorce
Donald and Shirley Douglas called it quits in 1970 after marriage in 1966.
It was the second marriage for both of them. The Invasion of the Body Snatchers star's first marriage was with Lois Hardwick.
Meanwhile, Shirley's first wedding was to Timothy Sicks.
More on Donald and Francine's family
Donald and Francine have three children together.
They are parents to sons Rossif, Angus, and Roeg.
From his previous marriage to Shirley Douglas, the former also has two older children.
The Hunger Games alum is a father to Kiefer and Rachel Sutherland.
Donald Sutherland's wife also acted
Francine Racette's filmography includes Four Flies on Grey Velvet, Lumière, and Les Vilaines Manières
Donald and Francine have co-starred in Alien Thunder and The Disappearance.
After the 1980s, the latter retired from acting.
Her last movie role was in the 1987 biographical drama, Au revoir les enfants.
Donald Sutherland pictured
Legendary actor Donald Sutherland known for his roles in M*A*S*H, The Hunger Games, and Animal House, Donald Sutherland has died at the age of 88.
![Donald Sutherland attends the Opening Ceremony of the 11th Film Festival Lumiere on October 12, 2019, in Lyon, France](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 720 960"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Donald Sutherland attends the Opening Ceremony of the 11th Film Festival Lumiere on October 12, 2019, in Lyon, FranceCredit: Getty ![Canadian Actor Donald Sutherland leaving Heathrow Airport by Concorde for New York in 1988](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 794 960"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Canadian Actor Donald Sutherland leaving Heathrow Airport by Concorde for New York in 1988Credit: Alamy Lord of the Rings star pays tribute
Elijah Wood has taken to X, formerly known as Twitter to pay his respects to the late Donald Sutherland.
"Aww man. farewell, Donald Sutherland, Wood wrote.
The pair acted together in the TV mini-series Treasure Island.
All five kids in entertainment, part two
Rossif Sutherland is the late actor's fourth child and third son. He is also an actor who worked on the television series Reign.
He will also star in Fox's upcoming drama Murder in a Small Town, per Deadline.
Donald's youngest child is Angus Sutherland. As an actor, Angus has acted in small roles in several TV shows and movies.He was also a co-producer on the movie 1917 and served as executive producer on the films November Criminals and Tiebreaker.
All five kids in entertainment, part one
All five of Donald Sutherland's children have worked in the entertainment industry, albeit in different capacities.
His oldest son Kiefer Sutherland, who paid tribute to his dad on X, followed in his footsteps and became an actor.
He is mostly known for his award-winning role as Jack Bauer in the drama series 24.
His twin sister, Rachel, has worked behind the scenes as a production manager, according to People.
Sutherland's third child is Roeg Sutherland.
He works at the talent and sports agency Creative Artists Agency in its media finance division, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Rob Lowe sends condolences
Actor Rob Lowe shared a tribute to Donald Sutherland on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"Today we lost one of our greatest actors, Donald Sutherland," he shared.
"It was my honor to work with him many years ago, and I will never forget his charisma and ability.
"If you want a master class in acting, watch him in 'Ordinary People'. My condolences to Kiefer."
Helen Mirren shares statement
Actress Helen Mirren has shared a statement about Donald Sutherland's passing.
“Donald Sutherland was one of the smartest actors I ever worked with," she said.
"He had a wonderful enquiring brain, and a great knowledge on a wide variety of subjects.
"He combined this great intelligence with a deep sensitivity, and with a seriousness about his profession as an actor.
"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.”
What to know about his kids
Donald Sutherland was known for starring in movies like The Hunger Games and TV shows like M*A*S*H, but he was also a father of five.
He has four sons, Kiefer, Roeg, Rossif, and Angus Sutherland, and one daughter, Rachel.
About Donald Sutherland's son Keifer
Kiefer Sutherland was born on December 21, 1966, and is a Canadian actor, producer, director, and singer-songwriter.
He is best known for playing Jack Bauer on the Fox drama series 24 from 2001 to 2014, a role that earned him an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two Satellite Awards.
He currently stars as President Tom Kirkman in the political drama series Designated Survivor.
Since 2014, he has been in a relationship with model and actress Cindy Vela.
Donald Sutherland also appeared on the small screen
Despite enjoying a successful career on the big screen, you might also remember Sutherland from TV shows.
Here is a list:
- The Saint (1966)
- The Avengers (1967)
- The Champions 1969 (Episode 16: Shadow of the Panther)
- The Winter of Our Discontent (1983)
- Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All (1994)
- Citizen X (1995)
- The Big Heist (2001)
- Uprising (2001)
- Path to War (2002)
- Commander in Chief (2005-2006)
- Human Trafficking (2005)
- Dirty Sexy Money (2007-2009)
- The Pillars of the Earth (2010)
- Crossing Lines (2013-2015)
- Trust (2018)
- The Undoing (2020)
- Lawmen: Bass Reeves (2023)
Donald Sutherland co-starred with his wife
Francine's filmography includes Four Flies on Grey Velvet, Lumière, and Les Vilaines Manières
Donald and Francine have co-starred in Alien Thunder and The Disappearance.
After the 1980s, the latter retired from acting.
Her last movie role was in the 1987 biographical drama, Au revoir les enfants.
What to know about Donald Sutherland's wife
Donald Sutherland is survived by his wife, Francine Racette.
Donald tied the knot with Francine, his third wife, in 2972.
Born on September 23, 1947, Francine is also an actor.
Hailing from Quebec, Canada, she has appeared in American and French movies.
Ron Howard pays tribute
Director Ron Howard has paid tribute to Donald on X.
"I was blessed to direct him in #Backdraft," Ron wrote.
"One of the most intelligent, interesting & engrossing film actors of all time.
"Incredible range, creative courage & dedication to serving the story & the audience with supreme excellence."
Edgar Wright remembers Donald Sutherland's roles
Filmmaker Edgar Wright has paid tribute to Donald Sutherland on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"RIP the great Donald Sutherland, a favourite actor and always fascinating screen presence," the director wrote.
"He starred in two of my very favourite and most influential films - ‘Don’t Look Now’ and the 1978 ‘Invasion Of The Bodysnatchers’."
Edgar went on to name his favorite performances of Donald's, saying the actor had "a funny, laconic, but also intense and dramatic presence in so many memorable movies."
"I know many of you following me will feel the same way about this great screen legend’s passing, so please list your favourite Donald Sutherland films," he wrote.
"So sorry to see you go Donald, but what a legacy you leave behind."
All of Donald Sutherland’s movies, part two
Here is a continued list of all of Donald Sutherland’s movies:
- Outbreak (1995)
- A Time to Kill (1996)
- Without Limits (1998)
- Space Cowboys (2000)
- The Art of War (2000)
- The Italian Job (2003)
- Cold Mountain (2003)
- Pride and Prejudice (2005)
- Lord of War (2005)
- Reign Over Me (2007)
- Fool's Gold (2008)
- The Eagle (2011)
- Horrible Bosses (2011)
- The Hunger Games (2012)
- The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
- The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014)
- The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015)
- Forsaken (2015)
- The Leisure Seeker (2017)
- Basmati Blues (2017)
- American Hangman (2019)
- Ad Astra (2019)
- The Burnt Orange Heresy (2019)
- Backdraft 2 (2019)
- Mr. Harrigan's Phone (2022)
- Miranda's Victim (2023)
All of Donald Sutherland's movies, part one
Here is a list of all of Donald Sutherland's movies:
- Castle Of The Living Dead (1964)
- The Dirty Dozen (1967)
- Start the Revolution Without Me (1970)
- M*A*S*H (1970)
- Kelly's Heroes (1970)
- Johnny Got His Gun (1971)
- Klute (1971)
- F.T.A. (1972)
- Steelyard Blues (1973)
- Don't Look Now (1973)
- The Day of the Locust (1975)
- 1900 (1976)
- Fellini's Casanova (1976)
- The Eagle has Landed (1976)
- National Lampoon's Animal House (1978)
- Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
- The First Great Train Robbery (1978)
- Ordinary People (1980)
- Threshold (1981)
- Eye of the Needle (1981)
- The Rosary Murders (1987)
- A Dry White Season (1989)
- Bethune: The Making of a Hero (1990)
- JFK (1991)
- Backdraft (1991)
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)
- Six Degrees of Separation (1993)
Sutherland had a long career
Donald Sutherland, born on July 17, 1935, rose to fame in 1967 with his role in the war movie classic, The Dirty Dozen.
He enjoyed a long career, starring in major Hollywood blockbusters and high-profile TV shows.
Donald leaves family behind
Donald Sutherland is survived by his wife Rancine Racette, and children Kiefer, Rachel, Roeg, Rossif, and Angus.
He also leaves behind his ex-wife Shirley Douglass.
A look back at Donald Sutherland in The Hunger Games
Donald Sutherland was known for his role as President Snow in The Hunger Games series.
First look at third Hunger Games movie