Tall and magnetic, this Canada-born actor and political activist has worked consistently since the '60s. After tackling a diverse array of small roles, Donald Sutherland became an instant star as the irreverent Hawkeye Pierce in the movie
M*A*S*H in 1970. The next year he starred as the title character in
Klute opposite then girlfriend and fellow anti-Vietnam War agitator Jane Fonda. Although he lacked traditional matinee idol looks, Sutherland continued to win leading roles due to his talent (and those dramatically arched eyebrows) until his advancing age relegated him to supporting parts in the mid-'80s. He remained a familiar face on the big screen and, at age 70, took a cue from his son,
24 star Kiefer, and signed up for his first TV series, the short-lived
Commander in Chief.
Donald Sutherland Fast Facts:
- Battled polio, rheumatic fever and hepatitis as a child.
- Was Canada's youngest radio announcer at age 14.
- Acted in several '60s horror films early in his career.
- Received Genie Award for Best Actor for Threshold (1983).
- Honors include Officer, Order of Canada; officier, l'Ordre des Artes et des Lettres of France; honorary PhD from St. Mary's University.
- Donald Sutherland Relationships:
- Angus Sutherland - Son
- Dorothy Sutherland - Mother
- Francine Racette - Wife
- Frederick Sutherland - Father
- Jane Fonda - Ex-significant Other
- Kiefer Sutherland - Son
- Lois Hardwick - Ex-wife
- Rachel Sutherland - Daughter
- Roeg Sutherland - Son
- Rossif Sutherland - Son
- Shirley Douglas - Ex-wife
- Donald Sutherland Awards:
- 2008 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - Nominee
- 2006 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - Nominee
- 1981 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama - Nominee
- 1971 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy - Nominee
- 1999 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture - Nominee
- 1996 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - Winner
- 2003 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - Winner
- 2006 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - Nominee
- 2006 Emmy: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie - Nominee
- 1995 Emmy: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie - Winner
- College:
- Attended University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; attended London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, London, England
