The entertainment world is in deep mourning following the death of iconic actor Donald Sutherland, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 88. Sutherland, known for his memorable roles in MASH*, Klute, and The Hunger Games series, left an indelible mark on the film industry. His passing has sparked an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from family, colleagues, and admirers across the globe.
“Donald was a giant, not only physically but as a talent. He was also enormously kind and generous,” said Elliott Gould, Sutherland’s co-star in MASH*, in a statement to The Associated Press. Gould added, “It’s never easy losing the caliber of a human being and actor like Donald Sutherland, but this one really profoundly hurts because Donald was like my brother, and a big part of my own career.”
Kiefer Sutherland, Donald’s son and a renowned actor in his own right, took to the social media platform X to announce the poignant news of his father’s passing. “With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. 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,” he wrote.
American director and film producer Ron Howard, who directed Sutherland in the 1991 film Backdraft, expressed his sorrow on X as well. “I was blessed to direct him in #Backdraft. 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,” Howard praised.
Helen Mirren, who starred with Sutherland in the 2017 film The Leisure Seekers, shared her memories in a heartfelt statement. “Donald Sutherland was one of the smartest actors I ever worked with. He had a wonderful enquiring brain and a great knowledge on a wide variety of subjects. He combined this great intelligence with a deep sensitivity, and with a seriousness about his profession as an actor. This all made him into the legend of film that he became,” Mirren said.
Even Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined in honoring Sutherland’s legacy, taking to X to pay tribute. “We’ve lost one of the greats.
. Donald Sutherland brought a level of brilliance to his craft few could match. A remarkable, legendary actor — and a great Canadian. My thoughts are with his loved ones. Rest in peace, Donald,” Trudeau wrote.
Jane Fonda, who shared the screen with Sutherland in the 1971 film Klute, reflected on their shared experiences in a moving Instagram post. “Donald was a brilliant actor and a complex man who shared quite a few adventures with me, such as the FTA Show, an anti-Vietnam war tour that performed for 60,000 active-duty soldiers, sailors, and marines in Hawaii, Okinawa, the Philippines, and Japan in 1971. I am heartbroken,” she wrote.
Former New York Times film critic Janet Maslin succinctly conveyed her grief on X, writing, “No words. He was too important.”
Director Edgar Wright, known for his distinctive style and critically acclaimed films, wrote on Instagram, “He starred in two of my very favourite and most influential films — Don’t Look Now and the 1978 Invasion Of The Bodysnatchers. But that is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of his legendary filmography. He was a funny, laconic, but also intense and dramatic presence in so many memorable movies.”
Actor Rob Lowe, who appeared with Sutherland in the 2004 miniseries Salem’s Lot, shared his admiration on X. “It was my honor to work with him many years ago, and I will never forget his charisma and ability. If you want a master class in acting, watch him in Ordinary People,” Lowe recommended.
Elijah Wood, known for his role in The Lord of the Rings, also took to X to offer a simple yet poignant farewell. “aww man. farewell, Donald Sutherland,” he wrote.
Jon Cassar, who directed both Donald and Kiefer Sutherland in the 2015 film Forsaken, encapsulated the sentiment felt by many in the industry: “We lost a legend, a journeyman actor that created unique and believable characters every time he stepped in front of the camera,” he expressed on X.
As the world bids goodbye to Donald Sutherland, it’s clear that his legacy will endure through the remarkable characters he brought to life. From exhilarating performances on both the big and small screens to his inspiring ability to connect deeply with those he worked with, Sutherland’s influence will forever be etched in the annals of cinema history. The film industry and his legions of fans will remember him not just for the roles he played, but for the extraordinary talent and humanity he shared with the world.
