Donald Sutherland Tributes: Ben Stiller, Kiefer Sutherland, & More
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on June 20, 2024 at 3:15 PM EDT
Donald Sutherland, best known for his work in "A Time to Kill" (1996) and "The Hunger Games" franchise (2012-2015), has passed away at the age of 88.
After the news of Donald Sutherland's passing broke, many celebrities, including his son Kiefer Sutherland, paid tribute to the late actor.
Donald Sutherland Passes Away
Sutherland rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s with notable performances in projects like "The Odd Man" (1960), "The Dirty Dozen" (1967), and "MAS*H" (1970), where he played Captain Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce.
He went on to star in films such as "Don't Look Now" (1973), "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1978), "Ordinary People" (1980), "JFK" (1991), "A Time to Kill" (1996), and "The Hunger Games" series (2012-2015), where he played President Snow.
The late actor won a Golden Globe for "Path to War" and an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for his performance in the miniseries "Citizen X."
The cause of death is not yet known.
Kiefer Sutherland Releases Statement
Shortly after the news broke, Kiefer Sutherland, Donald's son and "24" actor, shared a statement.
"With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away," he wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. "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."
Helen Mirren Pays Tribute
Helen Mirren paid tribute to Sutherland in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, “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."
She added, "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.”
Other Celebrities Who Have Paid Tribute
James Dreyfus, known for his role as Constable Kevin Goody in "The Thin Blue Line," paid tribute to the late actor in an X post.
"This actor! This AMAZING actor. A staple in my life through incredible performances 'Ordinary People,' 'Don’t Look Now,' 'Klute,' 'Die! Die! My Darling!,' Invasion of The Body Snatchers,' etc etc," he wrote. "Quirky, versatile, always honest & brilliant. Wonderful. RIP Donald Sutherland."
Turner Classic Movies also released a statement. "We are deeply saddened to hear the loss of actor & activist Donald Sutherland," the company wrote. "A versatile performer with unforgettable characters, his contributions across genres and generations will continue to inspire storytellers of all ages."
Actor Ben Stiller responded to Kiefer's statement, writing, "Sending love and so much respect."
Actress Kristy Swanson shared, "My heart is with you Kiefer. He was and will always be a beautiful man. May he rest in peace and love."
Henry Winkler, known for his role in "Happy Days," wrote, "Stacey and I send you our deepest sympathies .. Your dad was indeed singular . Warmly , Henry."
Edgar Wright Shares Lengthy Statement
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… pic.twitter.com/HzRHIGd2ov
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) June 20, 2024
Actor and filmmaker Edgar Wright shared a lengthy statement on X, paying tribute to the late actor.
"RIP the great Donald Sutherland, a favorite actor and always fascinating screen presence," he began. "He starred in two of my very favorite 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, starting with his break-through in ‘The Dirty Dozen’, and then on an incredible run in the 70’s, 80’s and beyond with ‘M*A*S*H’, ‘Kelly’s Heroes’, ‘Little Murders’, ‘Klute’, ‘Don’t Look Now’, ‘The Day Of The Locust’, ‘Ordinary People’ and ‘JFK’, among many others," Wright added.
"I even adore his very early appearances in ‘Dr. Terror’s House Of Horrors’ and ‘The World Ten Times Over’, as well as his very silly cameo in ‘Kentucky Fried Movie’. I know many of you following me will feel the same way about this great screen legend’s passing, so please list your favorite Donald Sutherland films."
He concluded, "So sorry to see you go Donald, but what a legacy you leave behind."
Donald Sutherland Tributes Continue To Pour In
Ron Howard, director of "Backdraft," expressed how talented Donald Sutherland was and what an honor it was to work alongside the actor.
"I was blessed to direct him in 'Backdraft,'" Howard said after hearing the news. "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."
Sutherland is survived by his wife Francine Racette; sons Roeg, Rossif, Angus, and Kiefer; daughter Rachel; and four grandchildren. Rest in peace.