Donald Sutherland’s son, Kiefer Sutherland, announced his passing on social media, with talent agency CAA clarifying that the actor died after a long-running illness. Although details about his health condition were not stated, the iconic actor battled respiratory issues for years and lived on an oxygen tank and tube in his final days.
Taking to X, Kiefer shared a black and white throwback father-and-son photo, calling Donald “one of the most important actors in the history of film.” He also noted that Donald loved working and echoed the undeniable sentiment that he delivered excellently in every role he played.
Fans react to the news of Donald Sutherland’s passing
In response to the sad news of Donald’s death, fans took to social media with clips and scenes of him in his element, while paying their respects and commending his successful Hollywood career. Some of Sutherland’s incredible filmography, noted by a fan, includes Klute, Hunger Games, Don’t Look Now, Animal House, and M*A*S*H.
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Another gushed about his “beautiful, melodic, smooth and captivating” voice, adding that anyone who heard it surely became “mesmerized.”
“Didn’t matter who else was in that scene with him. All eyes were always on THE Donald Sutherland. He will forever be deeply missed,” the user gushed.
For many, it is surprising that the actor lived up to 88 years despite his cigarette addiction in his 30s, where he reportedly smoked up to four packs of cigarettes daily. Nevertheless, he experienced several health issues, such as hepatitis, and later developed a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which made him dependent on an oxygen tank until his death.
Health aside, Donald was a dynamic actor and a favorite of directors like Federico Fellini, Robert Altman, Oliver Stone, Bernardo Bertolucci, and Warren Kiefer, who he named his first son after. His other four children include Kiefer’s twin sister Rachel, Roeg, Rossif, and Angus from his marriages to Shirley Douglas and Francine Racette.