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Latest News: Kiefer Sutherland Mourns the Passing of His Father, Donald Sutherland
On June 20, acclaimed actor Kiefer Sutherland shared the news of his father, Donald Sutherland’s, passing. In an emotional post on X, Kiefer wrote, “I personally think [he was] 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.”
Both father and son, who have each earned Emmy awards, collaborated for the first time onscreen in the 2016 western Forsaken, where they portrayed an estranged father and son—a stark contrast to their real-life relationship. While Kiefer largely grew up with his mother, actress Shirley Douglas (Donald’s ex-wife), the two Sutherlands became closer as Kiefer entered his teenage years.
Donald Sutherland was 88 years old at the time of his death. His talent agency confirmed he had been battling a long illness.
Who Is Kiefer Sutherland?
Kiefer Sutherland, a versatile actor known for his roles in films like Stand by Me, Young Guns, and Flatliners, as well as the critically acclaimed television series 24, has carved out an impressive career following in the footsteps of his famous parents, Donald Sutherland and Shirley Douglas.
Kiefer rose to prominence in the 1980s with standout performances in films such as The Lost Boys and Young Guns, followed by notable roles in A Few Good Men and The Three Musketeers. However, it was his portrayal of Jack Bauer in the hit espionage drama 24 that cemented his legacy on television.
In recent years, Kiefer has expanded his creative pursuits to include music, releasing two country albums while continuing to star in TV shows like Touch and Designated Survivor.
Early Life
Kiefer William Frederick Dempsey George Rufus Sutherland was born on December 21, 1966, in London, England, alongside his twin sister, Rachel. The children of Donald Sutherland and Shirley Douglas, Kiefer and Rachel experienced their parents’ divorce in 1970, after which Kiefer moved to Toronto with his mother.
Living in Canada, Kiefer attended a Catholic boarding school until the age of 15, while his time with his father was mostly limited to holidays and summers. Reflecting on his upbringing, Kiefer recalled only later understanding his father’s fame after watching Donald’s films as a teenager.
Donald Sutherland’s passing marks the end of an era for one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, but his legacy lives on through his remarkable body of work and the family he leaves behind.
Movies and TV Shows
Stand by Me and The Lost Boys
Kiefer Sutherland’s passion for acting emerged early, as he began performing on stage in the production of Throne of Strow. His film career took off in 1983 with his debut in Max Dugan Returns, in which his father, Donald Sutherland, also appeared. Kiefer gained recognition through notable roles in coming-of-age films like The Bay Boy (1985), Stand by Me (1986), and the cult classic vampire thriller The Lost Boys (1987). His success continued with Young Guns (1988), where he starred alongside Emilio Estevez and Charlie Sheen. Around this time, Sutherland established Stillwater Productions, named after the river flowing through his Montana ranch.
Flatliners and A Few Good Men
Sutherland’s national prominence soared with his role in the 1990 psychological thriller Flatliners, co-starring Kevin Bacon and Julia Roberts. He followed this with a gripping performance opposite Tom Cruise in the courtroom drama A Few Good Men (1992), cementing his place as a major Hollywood star. He further expanded his repertoire in The Three Musketeers (1993) and made his directorial debut with the TV drama Last Light the same year, where he portrayed a prison inmate.
Dark City and Ground Control
The late 1990s marked Sutherland’s shift towards darker, more intense roles. In 1997, he starred in The Last Days of Frankie the Fly, a modern film noir, and the science fiction-mystery Dark City. He continued directing with Woman Wanted (1999), in which he also starred, and appeared in the thriller Ground Control that same year. In 2000, Sutherland ventured into comedy with the satirical film Picking Up the Pieces.
Playing Jack Bauer in 24
In 2001, Sutherland achieved iconic status with his portrayal of counter-terrorism agent Jack Bauer in the hit series 24. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, earning him both Emmy and Golden Globe awards. After several critically acclaimed seasons, he reprised the role in the TV movie 24: Redemption (2008). The series continued for a total of nine seasons, becoming the longest-running American espionage drama in TV history. In 2014, Fox revived the show as 24: Live Another Day, which was met with positive reviews.
Touch and Designated Survivor
In 2012, Sutherland returned to television with Touch, playing Martin Bohm, a father whose special-needs son exhibits extraordinary abilities. Although the show ended after two seasons, Sutherland made a successful return to TV in 2016 with Designated Survivor. In this political thriller, he portrayed Thomas Kirkman, a cabinet member thrust into the presidency following a devastating attack on the U.S. government. The show ran for two seasons on ABC before Netflix picked it up for a third season in 2019, though it was not renewed for a fourth.
Music Career
After three decades of on-screen work, Sutherland shifted focus to his musical career. In 2016, he released his debut album Down in a Hole, showcasing his country music talents through his Ironworks label. His second album, Reckless & Me, followed in April 2019, further establishing his presence in the country music scene.
Personal Life
Sutherland became engaged to actor and model Cindy Vela in 2017, though they have yet to marry. He was previously married twice, first to Camelia Kath from 1987 to 1990, with whom he shares a daughter, Sarah Jude. He was also famously engaged to Julia Roberts, though the relationship ended before they wed. His second marriage to Kelly Winn in 1996 ended in separation in 1999, with the divorce finalized in 2008.
In 2007, Sutherland was arrested for driving under the influence, leading to a 48-day jail sentence. In 2019, while promoting Reckless & Me in Europe, he suffered a rib injury after a fall, forcing him to cancel the remainder of his tour.