Donald Sutherland, eclectic Canadian actor best known for The Twelve Bastards or his role as dictator in Hunger Gamesdied at the age of 88, his son Kiefer Sutherland announced Thursday.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the death of my father” announced on X the Canadian-British, also an actor, saluting “one of the most important actors in the history of cinema”.
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… pic.twitter.com/3EdJB03KKT
— Kiefer Sutherland (@RealKiefer) June 20, 2024
In more than 50 years of career and some 200 films, Donald Sutherland has established himself as a chameleon actor, capable of playing great cinema villains, antiheroes or romantic characters.
The Canadian received an honorary Oscar for his entire career in 2017.
“He was never intimidated by a role, whether good, bad or ugly,” his son added. “He loved what he did and did what he loved, and you couldn’t ask for anything more. A life well lived.”
After starring in cult British series like Bowler Hat and Leather BootsDonald Sutherland had obtained his first major role in 1967 in The Twelve Bastardswith Charles Bronson.
His slender silhouette, his absent air and his enigmatic smiles ensure his charisma and singularity.
More recently, he distinguished himself as President Coriolanus Snow, the cruel dictator of Panem, tormentor of Jennifer Lawrence in Hunger Games.