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Canadian actor Donald Sutherland, known for his memorable roles in The Dirty Dozen, The Hunger Games, and many other films, has passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind an invaluable cinematic legacy.
Donald Sutherland, an eclectic and legendary actor, passed away at the age of 88, his son Kiefer announced on Thursday. With a career spanning more than six decades and nearly 200 films to his credit, Sutherland leaves behind a legendary cinematic legacy.
Born in Canada, Donald Sutherland made a name for himself in Hollywood thanks to his undeniable talent and versatility. His first major role in The Dirty Dozen in 1967, alongside Charles Bronson, opened the doors to success for him. His lanky figure, distant demeanor, and enigmatic smiles gave him a charisma and uniqueness that marked the big screen.
Over the years, Sutherland demonstrated his ability to portray a wide variety of characters, from iconic villains and complex antiheroes to romantic roles. Among his most notable successes are the anti-war comedy M.A.S.H. (1970), the thriller Klute (1971) with Jane Fonda, and his collaborations with great directors such as Bernardo Bertolucci in 1900, Federico Fellini in Fellini’s Casanova, and Oliver Stone in JFK.
In 1976, Sutherland played Giacomo Casanova in Casanova by Federico Fellini. For this role, Fellini had him shave the front of his head and wear a false nose and chin to give him a more grotesque appearance. Sutherland portrayed an opportunistic antihero Casanova, more melancholic than hedonistic. It was a striking performance in this impressive work entirely shot in the Cinecittà studios.
Almost 30 years later, Sutherland stole the show as Mr. Bennet, the weary but loving father of Elizabeth Bennet, in Joe Wright’s 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. His scenes with Mrs. Bennet, who seeks to marry off their daughters, are memorable. The scene where he gives his consent to Elizabeth’s marriage to Mr. Darcy is particularly moving. Sutherland confessed that it was one of his favorite roles among all his films.
Throughout his rich filmography, from Don’t Look Now to The Hunger Games, including Ordinary People and JFK, Sutherland demonstrated the breadth of his talent, portraying a wide variety of characters with intensity and charisma. The aristocrat of actors leaves behind an impressive cinematic legacy.
In addition to his acting talent, Donald Sutherland was also known for his political activism. Alongside Jane Fonda, with whom he shared his life for a time, he led several actions against the Vietnam War and made the pacifist documentary F.T.A., which led to him being monitored by the FBI.
Age only enhanced Sutherland’s presence and charisma on the screen. In the 2000s, he continued to make a strong impression with roles such as the English bourgeois patriarch in Pride and Prejudice or the aging astronaut in Clint Eastwood’s Space Cowboys. More recently, he won over a new generation of fans by portraying the cruel dictator Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games saga.
Throughout his career, Donald Sutherland was recognized for his exceptional talent. He won two Golden Globes and an Emmy Award for television roles and received an honorary Oscar for his career in 2017. His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, unveiled in 2015, testifies to his prominent place in the history of cinema.
His son Kiefer hailed him as “one of the most important actors in cinema history,” emphasizing that his father “was never intimidated by a role, whether it was good, bad, or ugly.” U.S. President Joe Biden also paid tribute to this “unique actor who inspired and entertained the world for decades.”
Donald Sutherland leaves behind a grieving family, including three children from his marriage to Quebec actress Francine Racette, his third wife since 1972.
