Canadian actor, Donald Sutherland, known for roles in films like The Hunger Games and M*A*S*H, has died at the age of 88 after a long illness. His son, actor Kiefer Sutherland, announced his father’s passing, describing him as “one of the most important actors in the history of film.”
Sutherland had an extensive acting career spanning nearly 200 credits, though he was never nominated for an Oscar. He was praised for his versatility and dedication to his craft. Tributes poured in from fellow actors and public figures like Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who called Sutherland a “great Canadian artist.”
Hailing from New Brunswick, Canada, Sutherland initially worked as a radio news reporter before departing his home country and traveling to London in 1957. Once in the UK, he enrolled at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art to further hone his craft.
Following his studies, Sutherland began taking on small roles in British film and television productions. His earliest acting credits were in military-themed projects, including the 1967 World War II action film The Dirty Dozen, as well as the 1970 movie M*A*S*H, which focused on medics during the Korean War.
The actor was known for his political activism, often using his roles to convey socio-political messages, like in The Hunger Games where he played the tyrannical President Snow. Sutherland was set to release his memoir ‘Made Up, But Still True’ in November this year before his death.
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Story by: Deborah Yakohene | univers.ug.edu.gh
