Donald Sutherland Biography: Movies, Age, Spouse, Cause Of Death, Net Worth, Children, Series

Biography

Donald McNichol Sutherland, born on July 17, 1935, in the picturesque town of Saint John, New Brunswick, was a Canadian actor whose career left an indelible mark on cinema. Spanning over six decades, Sutherland appeared in nearly 200 films and television shows, earning a reputation as one of the most versatile actors in the industry.

Sutherland‘s breakthrough role came in 1967 with “The Dirty Dozen,” where he played the dim-witted Vernon Pinkley. However, his performance as Hawkeye Pierce in the 1970 film “MAS*H” catapulted him to stardom. His ability to seamlessly transition between genres—from drama to comedy to science fiction—made him a sought-after actor in Hollywood.

Throughout his career, Donald Sutherland portrayed a wide range of characters, from a sadistic prison warden in “Lock Up” to a heroic father in “Ordinary People.” He also lent his voice to animated films, including “Pirate’s Passage,” and portrayed the sinister President Snow in “The Hunger Games” franchise.

Sutherland‘s contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized with numerous accolades, including an Academy Honorary Award in 2017. He passed away on June 20, 2024, at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and a profound impact on the acting world.

Donald Sutherland
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Donald McNichol Sutherland
Stage Name:	Donald Sutherland
Born:	17 July 1935 (age 88 years old)
Place of Birth:	Saint John, Canada
Died:	20 June 2024 (age 88 years), Miami, Florida, United States
Nationality:	Canadian
Education:	Victoria School, University of Toronto, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
Height:	1.92 m
Parents:	Dorothy Isobel McNichol, Frederick McLea Sutherland
Siblings:	John Sutherland, Betty Sutherland
Spouse:	Francine Racette (m. 1972–2024), Shirley Douglas (m. 1966–1970), Lois Hardwick (m. 1959–1966)
Girlfriend • Partner:	Jane Fonda (1970-1972)
Children:	Kiefer Sutherland, Rossif Sutherland, Rachel Sutherland, Angus Sutherland, Roeg Sutherland
Occupation:	Actor • Director
Net Worth:	$60 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Donald Sutherland was born on July 17, 1935, in the picturesque town of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, to Dorothy Isobel McNichol and Frederick McLea Sutherland, who worked in sales and ran the local gas company.

Sutherland’s heritage is a blend of Scottish, German, and English roots. Although it has yet to be widely known what faith Sutherland followed, given the cultural context of his upbringing, it’s likely he was raised in a Christian household.

Donald had two siblings: a brother named John Sutherland, a poet, and a sister named Betty Sutherland, a painter whose works are part of the National Gallery of Canada’s collection.

Donald Sutherland’s educational journey was diverse and enriching. He first attended Victoria School in Saint John, where he was an active member of the Puppet Club. He then enrolled at the University of Toronto, initially studying engineering before switching to drama. His passion for acting led him to London, where he attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and completed an internship at the Perth Repertory Theatre in Scotland.

Career

Donald Sutherland, the legendary Canadian actor, had a career that spanned over six decades and included nearly 200 films and TV shows. His roles ranged from a dim-witted soldier in “The Dirty Dozen” to a murderous fascist leader in “1900,” and even a benevolent family patriarch in “The Hunger Games,” showcasing his remarkable versatility.

Sutherland’s breakout role came in 1970 with Robert Altman’s war comedy MAS*H, in which he played the iconic Hawkeye Pierce. The film was a cultural and financial success, catapulting Sutherland to stardom. He went on to star in many other notable films, including Klute, “Don’t Look Now,” Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and Ordinary People.

In 2012, Donald Sutherland played the wicked President Snow in “The Hunger Games,” a role he reprised for the franchise’s subsequent movies. He also returned to the small screen, portraying oil tycoon J. Paul Getty in the 2018 FX series “Trust.”

He continued to achieve success in the 1970s with movies such as “Kelly’s Heroes” (1970), solidifying his place in Hollywood as a talented and versatile actor. Sutherland was known for his exceptional range, portraying both charming heroes and menacing villains with equal brilliance. Despite receiving critical acclaim for his performances in films like “Klute” (1971), “Don’t Look Now” (1973), and “Ordinary People” (1980), he surprisingly never received an Academy Award nomination. However, he was honoured with a Primetime Emmy Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Critics Choice Award for his outstanding contributions to the film industry.

In addition to his acting career, Sutherland was known for his musical talent, having released several albums and performed in various bands. He was a political activist and involved in several charitable causes. His versatility and talent made him a highly respected and beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Awards & Nominations

Awards

• Primetime Emmy Award
  • Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Special – 1995 (“Citizen X”)
• Golden Globe Awards (2)
  • 1995 (“Citizen X”)
  • 2002 (“Path to War”)
• Critics’ Choice Television Award
  • Best Supporting Actor in a Movie/Miniseries – 2021 (“The Undoing”)
• Canadian Academy Award
  • Best Actor – 1981 (“Threshold”)
• Other Honors
  • Officer of the Order of Canada
  • Companion of the Order of Canada

Nominations

• Golden Globe Nominations
  • Eight nominations, including for films and television projects
• Primetime Emmy Nomination
  • Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie – 2006 (“Human Trafficking”)
• Satellite Award Nominations
  • Including Best Supporting Actor
• Other Nominations
  • Nominations from organizations such as the Chicago Film Critics Association

Personal Life

Donald Sutherland, the beloved Canadian actor known for his iconic roles in “MAS*H,” “The Hunger Games,” and many more, experienced a dynamic romantic journey throughout his life.

Sutherland was married three times. His first marriage to Lois Hardwick lasted from 1959 to 1966. He then married Shirley Douglas in 1966, and they remained together until 1970. Shirley, the daughter of the famed socialist politician Tommy Douglas, is the mother of their twins, Kiefer Sutherland and Rachel Sutherland. Tommy Douglas is widely regarded as the architect of Canada’s welfare state.

In 1972, Donald met Francine Racette on the set of “Alien Thunder.” They married the same year and stayed together until Donald‘s passing in 2024. The couple had three sons: Roeg Sutherland (born in 1974), Rossif Sutherland (born in 1978), and Angus Sutherland (born in 1982).

Before settling down with Francine, Donald Sutherland had a few notable relationships, including dating actress Jane Fonda in the early 1970s. He described their time together as a “wonderful relationship right up to the point we lived together.”

Donald‘s son, Kiefer Sutherland, followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a successful actor known for his roles in “24,” “The Lost Boys,” and “Young Guns.” Despite their parents’ divorce when Kiefer was three, he has spoken fondly of his father, noting that he “didn’t really know him until he was 15.”

Donald Sutherland also had grandchildren, including Sarah Sutherland and Theodore Sutherland.

Net Worth

Donald Sutherland was a successful Canadian actor best known for his roles in films such as “The Hunger Games” and “M*A*S*H.” With a net worth of $60 million, he has amassed a great fortune from his professional career.

His income primarily comes from acting, but he has also been involved in other ventures, such as producing and directing. Sutherland’s talent and hard work have certainly paid off, making him one of the highest-paid actors in the industry.