Sutherland died Thursday after a long illness, leaving behind a legacy of indelible performances and anti-war activism.
Donald Sutherland, who died Thursday at age 88 following a long illness, has received widespread tributes from fellow actors, Oscar-winning filmmakers and President Joe Biden himself.
Sutherland’s lifelong friend, actor Elliott Gould, vowed to “never forget” him.
“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,” Gould wrote on Instagram.
“Rest in peace, you, dear, dear Kind friend,” he wrote. “I love you and I will never forget you.”
Kiefer Sutherland confirmed his father’s death on social media Thursday and has since thanked the public for their thoughts. His physically and artistically towering father, who earned an honorary Oscar in 2017, was perhaps most notably mourned by the sitting U.S. president.
“Donald Sutherland was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and one-of-a-kind actor who inspired and entertained the world for decades,” Biden wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “My thoughts are with his family and all those who loved him.”
Sutherland’s career spanned more than 60 years, and he’s been mourned by fans from multiple generations as a result. Some lauded him as the fine actor who delivered Oliver Stone’s exposition in “JFK,” while others pointed to his performance in the “Hunger Games” movies. Still others have argued that he cemented his legacy as the star of iconic television shows like “M.A.S.H.” and classic films including “Don’t Look Now” and “The Dirty Dozen.”
“We asked the kindest man in the world to portray the most corrupt, ruthless dictator we’ve ever seen,” read a post on X from the official account of the “Hunger Games” franchise. “Such was the power and skill of Donald Sutherland’s acting that he created one more indelible character among many others that defined his legendary career.”
Sutherland was also a lifelong political activist, protesting the Vietnam War in 1971 to counter Bob Hope’s pro-war USO tour. He was placed on the National Security Agency’s “Watch List,” which also included Muhammad Ali, until 1973. Decades later, Sutherland also joined the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations against income inequality.
The actor, whose career is studded with Primetime Emmys, Critics’ Choice Awards and Golden Globes, earned heartfelt tributes from John Cusack, Elijah Wood and Rob Lowe, as well as directors Ron Howard and Matt Reeves and literary giant Stephen King.
Today we lost one of our greatest actors, Donald Sutherland. 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”. My condolences to Kiefer. pic.twitter.com/qjMz69Nraq
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) June 20, 2024
RIP to the incredible Donald Sutherland. Such a beautiful, soulful, and singular actor. His performances have meant so very much to me… and to the world. One of the all-time greats. My heart goes out to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/l0xRleMxXj
— Matt Reeves (@mattreevesLA) June 20, 2024
#RIPDonaldSutherland. 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. https://t.co/kw601XQ6uh
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) June 20, 2024
aww man. farewell, Donald Sutherland pic.twitter.com/UbvLs3WG9a
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) June 20, 2024
Sorry to hear Mr. Sutherland has died. He did one fine turn as Mr. Harrigan, in MR. HARRIGAN’S PHONE. A great actor. https://t.co/crYDXaDA2C
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) June 20, 2024
Donald Sutherland was a true master. incapable of a bad moment .
— John Cusack (@johncusack) June 21, 2024
Helen Mirren: “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…I will miss his presence in this world.” https://t.co/IfuCT4652g pic.twitter.com/Ml3RmiaOMD
— Variety (@Variety) June 20, 2024
