Actor Donald Sutherland no more – He was 88
Actor Donald Sutherland no more – He was 88
A set back for Canada film fraternity in the passing away of veteran Canadian actor Donald Sutherland at 88 following prolonged illness. The news was confirmed by his son
Kiefer Sutherland.
Donald Sutherland was acknowledged for his portrayal of rebel army surgeon Hawkeye Pierce in ‘M*A*S*H’, general-impersonating US GI Vernon Pinkely in ‘The Dirty Dozen’, Sergeant Oddball in ‘Kelly’s Heroes’, Mr X in Oliver Stone’s ‘JFK’, and President Stone in ‘The Hunger Games’.
“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,” Kiefer Sutherland said in a statement, the BBC reported.
“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 added.
Canada’s New Brunswick, July 17 1935 born Donald Sutherland embarked on his professional career as a radio news reporter in Canada before coming to London in 1957 to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He then took on small roles in British films and television shows.
War flick ‘The Dirty Dozen’ in1967 was his first notable film. He cemented his position with his roles in ‘M*A*S*H’ ‘Kelly’s Heroes’ and ‘The Eagle Has Landed’ — all war films too, spanning comedy to thriller genres.
He went on to act in 200-odd films, before switching to Television in the 2000s.
Notwithstanding his numerous roles, he was never nominated for an Oscar but he was honoured with an honorary Academy Award in 2017.
RIP Donald Sutherland.
News Edit K.V.Raman
