Actor Donald Sutherland, renowned for his roles in films such as “Klute,” “MAS*H,” “Ordinary People,” and his recent portrayal of the villainous President Snow in “The Hunger Games” series, has passed away at the age of 88.
The news was shared by his son, actor Kiefer Sutherland, on social media.
“With a heavy heart, I share that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away,” Sutherland wrote. “I believe he was one of the most significant actors in the history of cinema. Fearless in his choice of roles, be they good, bad, or ugly. He loved his craft and lived his passion, a truly remarkable life.”
Donald McNichol Sutherland was born in St. John, New Brunswick, to a salesman and a mathematics teacher. Growing up in Nova Scotia, he became a disc jockey with his own radio station at the age of 14.
“When I was 13 or 14, I felt that everything I experienced was wrong and dangerous and that God would punish me for it,” Sutherland told The New York Times in 1981. “My father often advised, ‘Keep your mouth shut, Donnie, and maybe people will think you have character.’”
Sutherland initially pursued engineering at the University of Toronto but switched to English and took part in school theatrical productions. During his studies, he met aspiring actress Lois Hardwick. They married in 1959 but divorced seven years later.
After graduating in 1956, Sutherland attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art to study acting. He began his career in West End plays and British television. A move to Los Angeles and a series of war films shifted his career path.
His breakthrough came with “The Dirty Dozen” (1967), where he played Vernon Pinkley, a psychopath impersonating an officer. In 1970, the release of “Kelly’s Heroes” and the smash hit “MASH” propelled Sutherland to stardom.
He gained further fame as Capt. Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce in Robert Altman’s 1970 Korean War dramedy “MASH.” The film, both harrowing and hilarious, received five Oscar nominations including Best Picture, winning for Ring Lardner Jr.’s screenplay, and inspired the successful CBS series that ran from 1972 to 1983.
Sutherland followed with another war film, 1970’s “Kelly’s Heroes,” playing Sgt. Oddball alongside Clint Eastwood, Don Rickles, and Telly Savalas. This led to his acclaimed role in the 1971 crime drama “Klute,” opposite Jane Fonda, who won her first Oscar for the role.
Sutherland’s next significant role was in Nicolas Roeg’s psychological thriller “Don’t Look Now.” He continued with the 1974 espionage comedy “SPYS,” reteaming with Elliott Gould, and the 1975 Hollywood-set “Day of the Locust,” starring alongside William Atherton, Karen Black, and Burgess Meredith.
Sutherland’s film career continued to flourish with roles in “The Eagle Has Landed” (1976), “The Kentucky Fried Movie” (1977), and three diverse films in 1978: “The Great Train Robbery,” “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” and “Animal House.”
In “Animal House,” Sutherland played Professor Dave Jennings, an English literature professor at Faber College. His deadpan character was memorable for boring his classes with lectures on John Milton and for a scene where he exposes his rear end while reaching into a cabinet. The film’s cast included John Belushi, Tim Matheson, Stephen Furst, Bruce McGill, Kevin Bacon, Tom Hulce, and John Vernon.
Donald Sutherland’s legacy as a versatile and dedicated actor endures, leaving an indelible mark on the film industry.
