All About the Late 'Hunger Games' Star Donald Sutherland
Donald Sutherland's greatest roles is something that people have been considering since learning of the actor's death on June 20, 2024 at the age of 88. Sutherland, of course, enjoyed a career that spanned some 65 years, encompassing everything from stage performances in Scotland to television guest star appearances and TV movies, as well as dozens of films between 1964's Castle of the Living Dead and 2023's Miranda's Victim.
In more recent years, he was best known for playing President Coriolanus Snow in the first four movies based on The Hunger Games novels.
To honor his legacy in Hollywood, we're traveling back to his earliest days, rounding up the 14 best photos of Donald Sutherland young, which showcase his personal and professional life. Additionally, some of Donald Sutherland's greatest roles are highlighted.
The history of Donald Sutherland
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Sutherland was born on July 17, 1935 in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.
Growing up, he didn't always plan to act, his original goal to become an engineer. To this end, he graduated from the University of Toronto with an engineering degree, but even with that very promising career potentially in his future, he always felt a pull toward acting, which led him to earn a Bachelor's Degree in drama as well.
Sutherland was married three times over the course of his life, with his first marriage with Lois May Hardwick lasting from 1959 to 1966.
After that, the actor wed Shirley Douglas in 1966. They remained together until 1971 and had two children together.
Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer/Getty
Sutherland's third and final marriage was in 1972 to Francine Racette. They had three children and remained together until his death.
In total, the actor had five kids (Kiefer, Rossif, Rachel, Angus and Roeg).
Alberto E. Rodriguez / Staff/Getty
When Sutherland died, his son, Kiefer, announced the news on X (Twitter), saying, "With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. 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."
With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. 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… pic.twitter.com/3EdJB03KKT
— Kiefer Sutherland (@RealKiefer) June 20, 2024
The actor was 88 and had 199 acting credits to his name.
MUST READ: Kiefer Sutherland: The Life and Career of the Iconic Actor
Donald Sutherland's Greatest Roles
The Dirty Dozen: Donald Sutherland's Greatest Roles
Youtube
CHARACTER: Vernon J. Pinkley
YEAR OF RELEASE: 1967
DONALD SUTHERLAND MEMORIES: Sutherland wasn't originally cast in The Dirty Dozen, but when an actor was told not to do a scene, that all changed. "Bob Ulrich [the director] looked at him[the other actor]...Then he went, 'You, with the big ears, you do it.' I don't think he knew my name, but it changed my life."
INTERESTING FACT: Sutherland was reportedly earning $600 a week during filming.
M*A*S*H
moviestillsdb.com/20th Century Studios
CHARACTER: Hawkeye Pierce
YEAR OF RELEASE: 1970
DONALD SUTHERLAND MEMORIES: When asked about how working with Sutherland was, costar Elliott Gould said, "Donald was a giant, not only physically but as a talent. He was also enormously kind and generous."
INTERESTING FACT: Gould and Sutherland would often call each other "Shirley"on set. The duo would reunite in the 1974 big screen comedy S*P*Y*S.
National Lampoon's Animal House: Donald Sutherland's Greatest Roles
IMDB
CHARACTER: Dave Jennings
YEAR OF RELEASE: 1978
DONALD SUTHERLAND MEMORIES: When asked why he took this role, Sutherland said "I just want the money. I don't want any points [profit participation] in the movie."
INTERESTING FACT: Sutherland was so skeptical about starring in this film, that production had to bribe him by saying it would only be three days of work for $75,000. It worked.
Pride & Prejudice
IMDB
CHARACTER: Mr. Bennet
YEAR OF RELEASE: 2005
DONALD SUTHERLAND MEMORIES: “I kept trying to quit that damn job, but Joe [Wright, director] wouldn’t let me! ‘Joe, goddammit, I’m not right for this, why the f*** did you hire me for this?'"
INTERESTING FACT: Sutherland was the only Canadian person cast
The Hunger Games: Donald Sutherland's Greatest Roles
moviestillsdb.com/Lionsgate
CHARACTER: President Coriolanus Snow
YEAR OF RELEASES: 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015
DONALD SUTHERLAND MEMORIES: Sutherland was motivated to be in the films for one specific reason: he wanted people to take something away from them. "I just wanted to be a part of it [The Hunger Games]. I wanted to end my life being part of something that I thought would maybe catalyze and revolutionize young people."
The actor added to that, saying, "He's [Snow] not misunderstood; he runs a totalitarian state — he's an oligarch."
INTERESTING FACT: Sutherland wanted the role of President Snow so bad that he wrote a letter to director Gary Ross explaining who Snow was. Ross loved it, and even put some of those insights into the script notes.
MUST READ: A New ‘Hunger Games’ Book Is Coming Out! What Author Suzanne Collins Says About the Prequel
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