Actor Donald Sutherland dies aged 88

The Canadian actor Donald Sutherland, known for his roles in films such as The Hunger Games and Don’t Look Now, has passed away at the age of 88 after a long illness.

His son, actor Kiefer Sutherland, announced the news with a heavy heart and praised his father as one of the most important actors in the history of film.

Donald Sutherland had nearly 200 credits to his name in a career that spanned over 50 years, and his passing has led to an outpouring of support and tributes from colleagues and fans.

Cary Elwes, who co-starred with Sutherland in the 2001 television film Uprising, expressed devastation at the news and shared his gratitude for the opportunity to have known and worked with the late actor.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau remembered feeling deeply star-struck when he first met Sutherland, and offered his condolences to the Sutherland family and all Canadians who are saddened by the loss.

Director Ron Howard, who worked with Sutherland on the 1991 film Backdraft, described him as one of the most intelligent, interesting, and engrossing film actors of all time.

Born in New Brunswick, Canada, Sutherland began his career as a radio news reporter before studying at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

He then took on small roles in British film and television before landing high-profile roles in war films like The Dirty Dozen, Kelly’s Heroes, and M*A*S*H. Sutherland’s co-star in the 1971 thriller Klute, Jane Fonda, also dated him for two years.