Death of Donald Sutherland: a loss for cinema

Canadian actor Donald Sutherland died on Thursday 20 June at the age of 88, after a long illness, reports Deadline. The father of actor Kiefer Sutherland, he was best known for his starring roles in “Hunger Games”, “Klute” and “The Dirty Dozen”.

Donald Sutherland died in Miami, leaving behind a prolific and diverse career. He appeared in numerous films, including “The Dirty Dozen”, “M.A.S.H”, “Klute”, “American College”, “People Like Others” and “Pride and Prejudice”. More recently, he played President Snow in “The Hunger Games”. Although he has never been nominated for an Oscar, he received an honorary Oscar in 2017 and has been awarded two Golden Globes.

His son, Kiefer Sutherland, announced the news of his death on X, highlighting his father’s importance in film history. Kiefer said that his father loved his job deeply and that he was one of the most influential actors in cinema.

A career spanning more than 50 years

Donald Sutherland has won several awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for “On the Warpath” and an Emmy Award for “Citizen X”. In a career spanning more than 50 years, he has established himself as a versatile actor, capable of playing big bads as well as anti-heroes and romantic characters. He has appeared in around 200 films.

His notable debut included roles in cult British series such as “Chapeau Melon et Bottes de Cuir”. Her first major role came in 1967 in “The Dirty Dozen” alongside Charles Bronson. His slim figure, absent gaze and enigmatic smile gave him a unique charisma.

Memorable roles and “legacy”

His other successes included the anti-militarist satire “M.A.S.H” (1970) and the thriller “Klute” (1971), in which he played a private detective tracking down a killer threatening a call-girl played by Jane Fonda. In 1977, Fellini cast him as Casanova. More recently, he distinguished himself as the cruel dictator of Panem, tormenting Jennifer Lawrence in “Hunger Games”.

Donald Sutherland is survived by four sons, a daughter and four grandchildren. His family, along with his wife Francine Racette, are organising a private ceremony in his honour. Francine, a Quebec actress, appeared in several films, including Jeanne Moreau’s “Lumière”.