Actor Donald Sutherland attending the Hunger Games Catching Fire film premiere at the Odeon Leicester Square in London

‘The Hunger Games’ Actor Donald Sutherland’s Death Certificate Revealed

Home / News / ‘The Hunger Games’ Actor Donald Sutherland’s Death Certificate Revealed

By Afouda Bamidele on July 11, 2024 at 12:15 PM EDT

Donald Sutherland, the iconic actor who captivated film audiences, passed away in June 2024. 

While news of his passing circulated then, a recently released document sheds light on his final days in a hospice. Sutherland's extensive real estate portfolio and his poignant dying regret also paint a fuller picture of the man behind the iconic roles.

The death certificate details Donald Sutherland's final moments and his battle with his health. 

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Inside Donald Sutherland's Battle With COPD And Hospice Care

Donald Sutherland attends the ceremony honoring him with a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame
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In his final moments, the actor found solace at the University of Miami Hospital, where he was under the compassionate care of the VITAS inpatient hospice unit.

The center is a specialized unit dedicated to hospice, palliative, and end-of-life care. This detail suggests Sutherland may have been battling a serious illness in his final days.

According to an anonymous source, the Canadian star was suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a "debilitating and incurable lung illness, most commonly caused due to smoking."

The death certificate obtained by Radar Online also confirms that Sutherland was cremated at the Van Orsdel Crematory in Miami, with plans for a funeral in the same city.

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Remembering The Late Icon's Family And Enduring Love

Donald Sutherland attended 'The Burnt Orange Heresy' Photocall
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Sutherland leaves behind a rich legacy, not only in film but also in his personal life. His death certificate lists Francine Racette, his longtime partner, as his surviving spouse.

Married since 1972, the couple shared a deep bond that lasted over five decades. This enduring partnership stands as a testament to their love and commitment.  

Before Racette, Sutherland had two previous marriages, with actress Shirley Douglas and Lois Hardwich. 

Sutherland and Douglas' union, which lasted from 1966 to 1970,  produced two children: Kiefer Sutherland, who himself carved a successful acting career, and a daughter, Rachel.  

Sadly, Douglas passed away in 2020. However, it is with Racette that the actor built his lasting family legacy. Together, they had three children: Roeg, Rossif, and Angus. 

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Inside 'The Hunger Games' Star's Luxurious Real Estate Legacy

Donald Sutherland in a white tux
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Beyond the silver screen, Sutherland cultivated a life filled with luxurious real estate. The Blast shed light on the evolution of his property portfolio, revealing a journey from California to sunny Florida. 

The late TV personality's final residence was reportedly a lavish $3 million condo in a 44-story luxury building in South Beach, Florida. This swanky abode offered the comforts of 24-hour valet and security.

For decades, Sutherland embraced California living. From 1970 to 2006, he resided in a beachfront pad in Santa Monica.

In a past listing, this property was described as "boasting a charming nautical theme throughout" and a "picturesque seaside lifestyle with breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and stunning sunsets."

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In 2006, a shift occurred as Sutherland opted for a change, selling his oceanfront home and purchasing a more modest 1,960-square-foot property with his wife, Racette.

The report also mentioned a brief stint in Beverly Hills before he ultimately settled on the Florida condo.

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Donald Sutherland's Unscripted Regret

While the world remembered him for his captivating performances, insiders disclosed a more personal struggle – a father's regret that lingered until the very end.

The Blast reported that sources close to the family revealed that Sutherland's final days were tinged with deep remorse over his perceived absence in his son Kiefer's life.  

Kiefer Sutherland, who himself is a successful actor, struggled with substance abuse. These struggles reportedly became a source of immense heartache for the elder Sutherland.

"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," the source shared. 

This sentiment echoes past statements by Sutherland himself, who once confessed, "With Kiefer, I don't see him enough."

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Kiefer Sutherland Reflected On His Father's Legacy 

Kiefer's battle with addiction, marked by his 2007 arrest for drunk driving and vandalism, left deep scars not only on him but also on his father. An insider revealed, "The fact that he very nearly lost his firstborn son haunted Donald till the day he died."

Despite his father's regrets about their relationship, Kiefer's admiration for the legendary star was evident in the touching tribute he paid shortly after  his passing in June. In the heartfelt statement, Kiefer expressed his deep respect and love for his father.

"With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away," the 57-year-old wrote. He went on to highlight his father's remarkable career and unwavering passion for acting:

"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 late Donald Sutherland might have had some regrets, but his legacy in the hearts of his fans can not be denied!

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