Tributes pour in for Hollywood star Donald Sutherland, who has died aged 88

Virgin Radio

21 Jun 2024, 08:04

Actor Donald Sutherland, who starred in movies such as The Hunger Games and Don't Look Now, has died at the age of 88 after a long illness.

The Canadian was in close to 200 movies in a stellar career which lasted over 50 years. As well as playing the dastardly President Coriolanus Snow in the Hunger Games franchise, he was perhaps best known for his roles in Ordinary People and M*A*S*H.

Sutherland’s death was announced in a post on social media by his son and fellow actor, Kiefer Sutherland, who said: "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."

The film world has been paying tribute to the Hollywood icon. Helen Mirren, who starred alongside the actor in The Leisure Seeker, said in a 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. He was my colleague and became my friend. I will miss his presence in this world.”

The official Hunger Games X page wrote: “We asked the kindest man in the world to portray the most corrupt, ruthless dictator we’ve ever seen. 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. 

“We are privileged to have known and worked with him, and our thoughts are with his family.”

Jane Fonda took to Instagram to write: “I am stunned to hear that Donald Sutherland has died. He was my fascinating co-star in Klute and we loved working together.”

She added: “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.”

Elsewhere, US President Joe Biden wrote on X: “Donald Sutherland was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and one-of-a-kind actor who inspired and entertained the world for decades.

“My thoughts are with his family and all those who loved him.”

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau remarked: “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.”

The official Academy X page posted the following video:

Cornetto Trilogy director Edgar Wright wrote on X: “RIP the great Donald Sutherland, a favourite actor and always fascinating screen presence. 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; a funny, laconic, but also intense and dramatic presence in so many memorable movies” 

He added: “So sorry to see you go Donald, but what a legacy you leave behind.”

Another director, Ron Howard, wrote: “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.”

Rob Lowe, who starred alongside the actor in Salem's Lot, wrote: “Today we lost one of our greatest actors, Donald Sutherland. It was my honour 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.”