Donald Sutherland close up

‘The Hunger Games’ Actor Donald Sutherland's Dying Regret Revealed!

Home / News / ‘The Hunger Games’ Actor Donald Sutherland's Dying Regret Revealed!

By Afouda Bamidele on July 4, 2024 at 6:15 PM EDT

Before his passing, Donald Sutherland reportedly shared a heartfelt revelation about his deepest regret. 

As Hollywood grieved the loss of the "Hunger Games" icon at 88, it appears the late actor expressed deep sorrow over the time he missed with his son, fellow actor Kiefer Sutherland.

Beyond his impressive real estate portfolio and celebrated career, Donald Sutherland's final reflections offer a glimpse into the personal choices that weighed most on him.

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Donald Sutherland Regretted Not Seeing Son Kiefer More 

Donald Sutherland in a white tux
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Insiders reveal that the actor's final days were overshadowed by deep regret over not being more present for his son, Kiefer, during his struggles with drugs and alcohol.

The legendary actor admitted to feeling haunted by his inability to support Kiefer when he needed it most. He had previously confessed, "With Kiefer, I don't see him enough."

A source close to the family shared, "Donald died regretting that, for many years, his physical presence in Kiefer's life was nonexistent. He loved his son but mostly from afar and wished he had been there for him during his struggles."

Kiefer, the son from Donald's brief second marriage to the late actress Shirley Douglas, faced significant challenges with substance abuse. 

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In 2007, Kiefer famously tackled a Christmas tree in a Texas hotel lobby while drunk and was later sentenced to 48 days in jail for drunk driving and violating probation from a 2004 DUI arrest.

"The fact that he very nearly lost his firstborn son haunted Donald till the day he died," the insider revealed to RadarOnline.

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Kiefer Sutherland's Heartfelt Tribute To Late Father Donald

Shortly after his father's passing, The Blast reported that Kiefer paid a touching tribute to his late father, Donald, who passed away in June. Despite the elder Sutherland's regrets about their relationship, Kiefer's admiration shone through in his heartfelt statement. 

"With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away," the "24" star wrote. Kiefer went on to express his deep respect for his father as an actor, stating:

"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." 

The news of Donald's passing brought an outpouring of tributes from fans. 

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One fan shared, "Rest in peace, Donald Sutherland, my favorite role of his was the big-hearted girl dad Mr. Bennett. So much grace and tenderness in this performance; this scene makes me emotional every time."

Describing him as an "acting titan" and "incomparable," another admirer reflected, "to call him a legend would be an understatement with the number of timeless roles he has played over the last 60 years. All the best to his family!"

At the same time, a third simply wrote, "Rest in peace, Donald Sutherland. Hopefully, your words will ring true for ours and future generations."

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More Tributes Pour In For The Icon

Known for his diverse roles and undeniable presence, Donald's contributions to film left an indelible mark on all who watched him. 

The late star, who famously portrayed President Snow in "The Hunger Games" series, was remembered fondly by a fan, who shared a video of the actor discussing the franchise's significance. 

"Here he spoke about the importance of the series, especially for young people, when it came to its political themes," the admirer explained. 

Another echoed the sentiment, writing, "RIP Donald Sutherland, 88. One of my all-time favorite actors who played so many great roles. What a sad loss."

Jane Fonda Mourned Her 'Klute' Co-Star With Heartfelt Tribute

As Hollywood continued to mourn the loss of the esteemed actor Donald, his co-star in the iconic 1971 film "Klute," took to Instagram to share a poignant tribute.

The Blast reported that Fonda did so by posting a throwback photo from their time on the movie's set. The snap captured Donald in his prime as he portrayed the enigmatic John Klute. 

"I am stunned to hear that Donald Sutherland has died. He was my fascinating co-star in Klute, and we loved working together. In this photo, we are on the Klute set with director Alan Pakula," Fonda wrote in the caption.

Fonda went on to reminisce about the profound experiences they shared beyond the silver screen. 

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She notably recalled their participation in the "FTA Show, an anti-Vietnam war tour that performed for 60,000 active duty soldiers, sailors, and marines in Hawaii, Okinawa, the Philippines, and Japan in 1971."

The 86-year-old concluded with a poignant, "I am heartbroken."

Donald Sutherland's Million-Dollar Properties

Donald Sutherland attended 'The Burnt Orange Heresy' Photocall
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As the world mourned the passing of the Hollywood icon, revelations about his impressive real estate holdings emerged, showcasing Donald's penchant for luxurious living.

The Blast shared that at the time of his death, the father-of-five possessed a stunning $3 million condo nestled in a prestigious 44-story luxury building in South Beach, Florida.

This lavish residence boasted round-the-clock valet services and top-tier security. Prior to his Florida acquisition, Donald's property portfolio included a coveted beachfront abode in Santa Monica, California.

Notably, he later downsized, opting for a more modest 1,960-square-foot property in Beverly Hills with his wife, Francine Racette, in 2012.

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