ACTOR Kiefer Sutherland has called his dad Donald one of the most important actors in the history of film following his death at age 88.
Kiefer, best known for his work in the television show 24, paid tribute to his father minutes after the family confirmed Donald's death.
"With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away," Kiefer wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday.
"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."
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Donald died at age 88 in Miami, Florida after suffering an unspecified long illness, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
He is survived by his wife, Francine Racette, and five children, Kiefer, Rachel, Roeg, Rossif, and Angus.
The actor was previously married to Shirley Douglass, who died in 2020.
His son Kiefer, who is also an actor, has won an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Roeg works for CAA as a media finance executive.
60-YEAR CAREER
The Canadian actor, born on July 17, 1935, became famous after his 1967 war movie, The Dirty Dozen.
He took on over 100 acting roles from 1964 to 2023 and often starred in three to five films a year.
He played President Snow in The Hunger Games in recent years but was also hailed for his performances in Ordinary People, The Undoing, and M*A*S*H.
Throughout his long career, Donald won a Primetime Emmy Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Critics Choice Award.
The star also received an Academy Honorary Award in 2017.
Over the years, Donald and Kiefer were in multiple films together including the 2015 West action film Forsaken, 1996's A Time to Kill, and Max Dugan Returns from 1983.
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Donald told Anderson Cooper in 2017, “I don’t find [inspiration for a role.] It finds me.
"I mean, I will read it. And suddenly, it starts churning around inside me. And, then, it gets violent. And, then, it gets loving.
"And it’s an extraordinary thing. It gets more and more and more exciting. It’s delicious.”
'MOST UNDERRATED, UNDERAPPRECIATED'
Tributes have poured in for the late star from fans and those in the industry.
"Donald Sutherland is genuinely one of the most underrated, underappreciated actors of all time," one fan tweeted.
"Not a role he didn’t instantly elevate by his sheer presence alone."
"Rest in peace Donald Sutherland, my favorite role of his was the big-hearted girl dad, Mr. Bennett," another fan said, remembering one of his popular roles.
"So much grace and tenderness in this performance, this scene makes me emotional every time."
Piers Morgan also remembered the star, writing, "RIP Donald Sutherland, 88.
"One of my all-time favourite actors who played so many great roles. What a sad loss."
Director Rob Howard also paid tribute to Donald.
"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."
