Donald Sutherland
back| Full Name | Donald McNichol Sutherland |
| Stage Name | Donald Sutherland |
| Born | July 17, 1935 |
| Birthplace | Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada |
| Died | June 20, 2024 |
| Buried | Miami, Florida, USA |
| Married to | Lois May Hardwick (1959–1966) - Shirley Douglas (1966–1970) - Francine Racette (1972–2024) |
| Children | Kiefer Sutherland (with Shirley Douglas) - Rachel Sutherland (with Shirley Douglas) - Roeg Sutherland (with Francine Racette) - Rossif Sutherland (with Francine Racette) - Angus Sutherland (with Francine Racette) |
| Notable films | The Dirty Dozen (1967) - MASH (1970) - Klute (1971) - Don't Look Now (1973) - JFK (1991) - The Hunger Games (2012 - 2015) |
Donald Sutherland
The Thinking Man’s Actor
Donald Sutherland (1935–2024) was a towering figure in cinema, known for his versatility and magnetic presence. Born in Saint John, Canada, he overcame childhood illnesses to pursue acting, studying at the University of Toronto and LAMDA. His breakthrough came with The Dirty Dozen (1967), followed by iconic roles in MASH* (1970), Klute (1971), and Don’t Look Now (1973).
He balanced Hollywood hits (Ordinary People, JFK, The Italian Job) with indie and international films, later captivating a new generation as President Snow in The Hunger Games series. Despite never winning a competitive Oscar, he received an Honorary Academy Award in 2017. Off-screen, he was a dedicated activist and family man. His son, Kiefer Sutherland, followed in his acting footsteps.
Sutherland passed away in 2024 at 88, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and a profound influence on cinema.
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Donald Sutherland (1935 – 2024)
Biography and Movie Career
Donald McNichol Sutherland, born on July 17, 1935, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, was a distinguished actor whose career spanned over six decades. He was the son of Dorothy Isobel (née McNichol), a math teacher, and Frederick McLea Sutherland, who worked in sales and managed the local utility company. Sutherland's early years were marked by health challenges, including battles with rheumatic fever, hepatitis, and polio. Despite these obstacles, he developed a passion for the arts during his adolescence.
At the age of 14, Sutherland began working as a news correspondent for the local radio station CKBW in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. He pursued higher education at Victoria University, an affiliate of the University of Toronto, where he earned degrees in engineering and drama in 1958. Encouraged by his growing interest in acting, he furthered his studies at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) in the United Kingdom.
Sutherland's acting career commenced in the early 1960s with minor roles in British television series such as "The Saint" and "The Avengers." His breakthrough in cinema came with the role of Vernon Pinkley in "The Dirty Dozen" (1967), which led to his iconic portrayal of Captain Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce in Robert Altman's "MAS*H" (1970). This performance solidified his status in Hollywood and opened doors to a variety of roles across different genres.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Sutherland showcased his versatility in films such as "Klute" (1971), where he played a detective opposite Jane Fonda, and "Don't Look Now" (1973), a psychological thriller set in Venice. His role in "Ordinary People" (1980) as a grieving father earned critical acclaim and highlighted his depth as a dramatic actor. In addition to his film career, Sutherland made significant contributions to television, earning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor for his performance in the HBO movie "Citizen X" (1995). He continued to take on diverse roles in both film and television, including portraying President Coriolanus Snow in "The Hunger Games" series from 2012 to 2015, introducing his work to a new generation of audiences.
Sutherland's personal life saw him married three times. His first marriage was to Lois May Hardwick from 1959 to 1966. He then married actress Shirley Douglas, daughter of Canadian politician Tommy Douglas, in 1966; the couple had twins, Kiefer and Rachel, before divorcing in 1970. Kiefer Sutherland followed in his father's footsteps, becoming a renowned actor known for his role in the television series "24." In 1972, Sutherland married French Canadian actress Francine Racette, with whom he had three sons: Roeg, Rossif, and Angus. All three sons pursued careers in the entertainment industry.
Beyond his acting career, Sutherland was known for his political activism, particularly his opposition to the Vietnam War. He participated in the "Free The Army" tour alongside Jane Fonda, performing anti-war shows for military personnel. His commitment to social causes extended throughout his life, reflecting his belief in using his platform for advocacy.
Sutherland's contributions to the arts were recognized with numerous accolades, including two Golden Globe Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award. In 2017, he received an Academy Honorary Award for his lifetime achievements in cinema. Despite his extensive body of work, he was often noted as one of the best actors never to have received a competitive Academy Award nomination.
Donald Sutherland passed away on June 20, 2024, in Miami, Florida, at the age of 88, after a prolonged illness. His legacy endures through his extensive filmography and the impact he made on both audiences and the acting community.
Height and Physical Features
• Height: In his prime, he stood at 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm).
• Build: He had a lean and lanky physique, which, combined with his height, gave him a commanding on-screen presence.
• Facial Features: Sutherland possessed a unique and memorable appearance, characterized by his piercing blue eyes, prominent cheekbones, and a slightly disheveled look. His expressive eyes and distinctive facial structure contributed to his versatility in portraying a wide range of characters.
• Voice: His voice was deep and resonant, often described as reedy, adding a compelling layer to his performances.
Donald Sutherland: The Greates Actor Who Never Won an Oscar
Analysis of Donald Sutherland’s Acting Style
Donald Sutherland’s acting style was a masterclass in subtlety, intensity, and an almost effortless unpredictability. His presence on screen was magnetic, often characterized by an eerie stillness punctuated by sudden flashes of raw emotion. He possessed the rare ability to be both commanding and understated, an actor who never overplayed his hand yet managed to leave an indelible mark on every role he inhabited.
Unconventional Charisma and Physicality
Unlike many of his contemporaries, Sutherland never relied on traditional leading-man good looks. His tall, lanky frame (standing at 6'4"), piercing eyes, and distinctive, slightly disheveled appearance gave him a unique on-screen persona—one that exuded intelligence, world-weariness, and an almost spectral presence. He could be charming in one moment and deeply unsettling in the next, often without changing his expression. This duality allowed him to slip effortlessly between heroes and villains, making him one of the most versatile actors of his generation.
Master of Subtext and Nuance
Sutherland's performances were layered with subtext, often saying more in a single glance than others could with an entire monologue. His characters frequently carried an air of quiet intelligence, as if they knew something the audience didn’t. This made him particularly effective in roles that required an element of mystery or psychological complexity. His portrayal of John Baxter in Don’t Look Now (1973) is a prime example—his grief-stricken husband, haunted by visions and regret, is played with a quiet devastation that lingers long after the film ends.
Naturalism and Restraint
One of Sutherland’s greatest strengths was his ability to make his performances feel natural, never forced or theatrical. He often underplayed scenes that could have been exaggerated by other actors, choosing instead to convey emotions through minor shifts in body language or subtle vocal inflections. This was particularly evident in Ordinary People (1980), where his portrayal of Calvin Jarrett, a father struggling with his family’s emotional trauma, was both restrained and deeply moving. Rather than delivering grand emotional outbursts, he let pain simmer just beneath the surface, making his performance all the more powerful.
A Chameleon Across Genres
Sutherland was equally comfortable in dramatic, comedic, and even absurdist roles. In MASH* (1970), his portrayal of Hawkeye Pierce was laced with irreverence and wit, a perfect contrast to the brutal backdrop of war. In The Hunger Games series, his President Snow was a study in quiet menace, using an almost whisper-soft delivery to convey a terrifying sense of control. He could be ruthless (JFK, 1991), affable (The Italian Job, 2003), eccentric (Fellini’s Casanova, 1976), or tragically noble (A Dry White Season, 1989), proving that no single archetype could contain him.
The Power of Voice and Silence
His deep, almost hypnotic voice was another defining trait of his performances. Whether delivering a chilling monologue or a hushed conversation, Sutherland had the ability to make even the most ordinary dialogue sound profound. At the same time, he was a master of silence. He understood that sometimes, saying nothing at all was the most powerful choice an actor could make. His ability to let a moment breathe, to allow an audience to fill in the gaps with their own interpretations, gave his performances an extra layer of depth.
Intellectual and Thoughtful Approach
Sutherland approached acting with an intellectual curiosity that informed his choices on screen. He was known for immersing himself in roles, often researching extensively to understand his characters' motivations. His portrayals often carried a cerebral edge—his characters rarely acted on impulse alone; instead, there was always a sense of careful calculation behind their actions, making them feel grounded and authentic.
Legacy of an Acting Giant
Donald Sutherland’s legacy lies in his ability to bring complexity and humanity to his roles, no matter how large or small. He never needed the spotlight—he commanded attention simply by being present. His performances were rarely showy, yet they were unforgettable, leaving behind a body of work that remains a testament to his immense talent.
He was the rare actor who could transform any scene, not by overpowering it, but by enriching it with subtlety, intelligence, and an unshakable authenticity. His presence in film was like a ghostly fingerprint—sometimes barely visible, but always deeply felt.
Memorable Quotes from Donald Sutherland
On Acting and Career:
• "I love to work. I passionately love to work. I love to feel my hand fit into the glove of some other character."
• "Acting is not about being someone different. It's finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there."
• "I've always been attracted to characters who are positive and come from a place of integrity and honesty."
• "I have never planned anything. I have been doing this job for over 50 years. I have been paid to work with some wonderful people, and it has been a huge gift to me."
On Life and Personal Reflections:
• "Everything was my fault. I was so dumb. But if I hadn't made the mistakes I made, I wouldn't have met the wonderful woman I've been married to for over 30 years, so I guess that makes the mistakes OK."
• "The only thing I feel passionate about is my wife."
• "My children are beautiful, beautiful, beautiful people. They've taught me humility, pride, and fear."
• "The spirit of mankind is not going to help me through my death. My death is a lonely little journey that I'll take myself."
On Society and Politics:
• "What the nation's built on is discussion, contradiction, and growth, and at the moment you can't discuss anything. If you do start to discuss it, you get criticized. If people hate us, you have to find out why and try to solve that problem."
• "Vietnam was a lie, but at least there was a political agenda. It was the domino theory. Iraq is about nothing but George Bush's ego laced with imperialist ambitions."
On Working with Directors:
• "When you're working for a good director, you become subjective and submissive. You become his concubine. All that you're seeking is his pleasure."
A Tribute to Donald Sutherland at his Passing
Family and Personal Tributes:
• Kiefer Sutherland (son): "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."
Colleagues and Industry Tributes:
• Jane Fonda (co-star in "Klute"): "He was my fascinating co-star in 'Klute,' and we loved working together. Donald was a brilliant actor and a complex man who shared quite a few adventures with me... I am heartbroken."
• Helen Mirren: "He had a wonderful enquiring brain, and a great knowledge on a wide variety of subjects. He combined this great intelligence with a deep sensitivity... I will miss his presence in this world."
• Rob Lowe: "Donald Sutherland was one of our greatest actors. I had the honor to work with him many years ago. I will never forget his charisma and ability. If you want a master class in acting, watch him in 'Ordinary People.' My condolences to Kiefer."
• Elliott Gould (co-star in "MAS*H"): "Donald was a giant—not only physically but as a talent. He was also enormously kind and generous. It's never easy losing the caliber of human being and actor like Donald Sutherland, but this one really profoundly hurts because Donald was like my brother."
• Michael Douglas: "What a lovely, talented, and curious man. RIP Donald Sutherland."
Memorable Movie Quotes from Donald Sutherland
"MAS*H" (1970) as Captain Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce
"I will not carry a gun... I'll carry your books, I'll carry a torch, I'll carry a tune, I'll carry on, carry over, carry forward, Cary Grant, cash and carry, carry me back to Old Virginia, I'll even 'hari-kari' if you show me how, but I will not carry a gun!"
"Kelly’s Heroes" (1970) as Sergeant Oddball
"Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don't you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don't you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?"
"Klute" (1971) as John Klute
"You don’t have to believe me. I just want you to listen."
"Don’t Look Now" (1973) as John Baxter
"One of these days, I’m going to have a nervous breakdown. I deserve it, right?"
"Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1978) as Matthew Bennell
"Why do we always expect metal ships?"
"Ordinary People" (1980) as Calvin Jarrett
"I don’t know if I love you anymore. I just know I feel very sorry for you."
"JFK" (1991) as Mr. X
"The organizing principle of any society, Mr. Garrison, is for war. The authority of the state over its people resides in its war powers."
"The Italian Job" (2003) as John Bridger
"There are two kinds of thieves in this world: the ones who steal to enrich their lives and the ones who steal to define their lives."
"Pride & Prejudice" (2005) as Mr. Bennet
"If any young men come for Mary or Kitty, send them in. I’m quite at my leisure."
"The Hunger Games" series (2012-2015) as President Coriolanus Snow
"Hope. It is the only thing stronger than fear."
"The thing we love most often destroys us."
Awards and Recognition
Academy Awards:
• Honorary Award (2017): In recognition of his outstanding career and contributions to cinema, Sutherland was honored with an Academy Honorary Award at the 2017 Governors Awards.
Golden Globe Awards:
• Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries, or Motion Picture Made for Television:
o Citizen X (1995): Sutherland's portrayal of a Soviet forensic psychiatrist earned him this award.
o Path to War (2002): He received the award for his role as Clark Clifford in this historical drama.
• Nominations:
o MASH* (1970): Nominated for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical.
o Ordinary People (1980): Nominated for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama.
o Without Limits (1998): Nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture.
o Human Trafficking (2005): Nominated for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television.
o Commander in Chief (2005): Nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries, or Motion Picture Made for Television.
o Dirty Sexy Money (2007): Nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries, or Motion Picture Made for Television.
o The Undoing (2020): Nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries, or Motion Picture Made for Television.
Primetime Emmy Awards:
• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Special:
o Citizen X (1995): Sutherland's compelling performance earned him this award.
• Nominations:
o Human Trafficking (2006): Nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie.
British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA):
Nominations:
o Don't Look Now (1973): Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
o Steelyard Blues (1973): Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Other Honors:
• Officer of the Order of Canada (1978): Sutherland was appointed as an Officer, recognizing his significant contributions to Canadian culture.
• Companion of the Order of Canada (2019): Elevated to the highest grade of the order for his continued contributions to the arts.
• Hollywood Walk of Fame (2011): Sutherland received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, honoring his achievements in the film industry.
• Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters (2012): France bestowed this honor upon Sutherland for his significant contributions to the arts.
• Governor General's Performing Arts Award (2000): Canada's highest honor in the performing arts was awarded to Sutherland for his lifetime achievement.
• Academy Honorary Award (2017): The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented Sutherland with an honorary Oscar, acknowledging his enduring impact on cinema.
Donald Sutherland Movies
1960s:
• 1963:
The World Ten Times Over: Sutherland's uncredited role as a tall man in a nightclub in this British drama about two women navigating life's challenges in London.
• 1964:
Castle of the Living Dead: Portraying multiple roles—Sgt. Paul, the witch, and the old man—in this horror film about a count who preserves his victims as statues.
• 1965:
o Fanatic (also known as Die! Die! My Darling!): Sutherland plays Joseph, a simple-minded gardener entangled in a widow's obsessive plans to "save" her deceased son's fiancée.
o Dr. Terror's House of Horrors: As Dr. Bob Carroll, Sutherland appears in the "Vampire" segment of this anthology horror film where a mysterious doctor foretells the fates of train passengers.
o The Bedford Incident: Sutherland portrays Hospitalman Nerney in this Cold War thriller about a U.S. destroyer pursuing a Soviet submarine.
• 1966:
Promise Her Anything: In an uncredited role, Sutherland appears as an autograph-seeking father in this romantic comedy about a widow and a documentary filmmaker.
• 1967:
o Billion Dollar Brain: Sutherland plays a scientist at a computer in this spy film where a private detective is drawn into a complex conspiracy.
o The Dirty Dozen: As Vernon L. Pinkley, Sutherland is part of a group of convicts recruited for a dangerous WWII mission.
o The Shuttered Room: Sutherland provides the voice for Zebulon in this horror film about a couple inheriting a mysterious New England mill.
• 1968:
o Sebastian: Sutherland portrays Ackerman in this drama about a mathematician working on code-breaking.
o Joanna: As Lord Peter Sanderson, he appears in this story of a young woman's adventures in London's art scene.
o The Split: Sutherland plays Dave Negli in this crime thriller about a heist targeting a football stadium.
o Interlude: He portrays Lawrence in this romantic drama about a young journalist's affair with a married conductor.
o Oedipus the King: Sutherland takes on the role of Chorus Leader in this adaptation of the classic Greek tragedy.
1970s:
• 1970:
o MASH*: Sutherland stars as Capt. Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce, a witty surgeon during the Korean War, blending humor with the harsh realities of war.
o Start the Revolution Without Me: In dual roles as Charles and Pierre, Sutherland showcases his comedic talent in this satirical take on the French Revolution.
o Kelly's Heroes: Portraying Sergeant "Oddball," a laid-back tank commander, Sutherland joins a group of soldiers on a mission to steal Nazi gold during WWII.
o The Act of the Heart: Sutherland plays Father Michael Ferrier in this Canadian drama about a woman's intense spiritual journey.
o Alex in Wonderland: He appears as Alex Morrison, a filmmaker struggling with his next project, reflecting the uncertainties of the creative process.
• 1971:
o Little Murders: Sutherland delivers a memorable performance as Rev. Dupas, an unconventional minister in this dark comedy about urban life.
o Johnny Got His Gun: In a brief but impactful role, he portrays Christ in this anti-war film exploring the mind of a wounded soldier.
o Klute: Sutherland stars as John Klute, a detective investigating a disappearance, forming a complex relationship with a call girl, played by Jane Fonda.
• 1972:
F.T.A.: Appearing as himself, Sutherland co-produces this documentary capturing the anti-Vietnam War sentiment through a traveling performance troupe.
• 1973:
o Steelyard Blues: Sutherland plays Jesse Veldini, a convict with a plan to escape societal constraints, blending comedy with countercultural themes.
o Lady Ice: As Andy Hammon, he portrays an insurance investigator entangled in a web of jewel thieves and deception.
o Don't Look Now: Sutherland delivers a haunting performance as John Baxter, a grieving father experiencing mysterious events in Venice.
• 1974:
Alien Thunder: Sutherland stars as Sergeant Dan Candy, a Mountie pursuing a Cree fugitive, highlighting cultural tensions in 19th-century Canada.
o SPYS*: In the role of Bruland, he teams up with Elliott Gould in this comedic espionage film about two bumbling CIA agents.
• 1975:
o The Day of the Locust: Sutherland portrays Homer Simpson, a lonely man whose life unravels amidst the dark side of 1930s Hollywood.
o End of the Game: He appears as the corpse of Lt. Robert Schmied in this mystery involving a detective's pursuit of a long-time adversary.
• 1976:
o 1900: Sutherland plays Attila Mellanchini, a sadistic foreman in this epic tale of two friends in Italy, spanning from their birth to adulthood.
o Fellini's Casanova: In the titular role, Sutherland embodies the legendary lover, exploring his adventures and existential musings.
o The Eagle Has Landed: He portrays Liam Devlin, an Irish spy collaborating with Germans
1977:
• "The Kentucky Fried Movie": Sutherland makes a cameo as a clumsy waiter in this satirical comedy comprising a series of sketches that parody various film genres and television formats.
• "The Disappearance": He stars as Jay Mallory, a contract killer whose search for his missing wife leads him into a labyrinth of deception and danger.
1978:
• "National Lampoon's Animal House": Sutherland appears as Professor Dave Jennings, a laid-back college professor who becomes entangled with the misfit fraternity members of Delta Tau Chi.
• "Invasion of the Body Snatchers": In this science fiction horror remake, Sutherland plays Matthew Bennell, a health inspector who uncovers a terrifying alien plot to replicate and replace humans.
• "The First Great Train Robbery": Sutherland portrays Edward Pierce, a charismatic thief orchestrating an elaborate heist to steal a shipment of gold from a moving train in Victorian England.
1979:
• "Murder by Decree": He takes on the role of Robert Lees, a psychic assisting Sherlock Holmes in investigating the gruesome Jack the Ripper murders.
• "A Man, a Woman and a Bank": Sutherland stars as Reese Halperin, a clever architect who, along with his partner, devises a plan to rob a bank by tunneling into its vault.
• "Bear Island": In this adventure thriller, he plays Frank Lansing, a marine biologist who uncovers a deadly conspiracy while on a scientific expedition to a remote Arctic island.
1980s:
• 1980:
Ordinary People: Sutherland portrays Calvin Jarrett, a father trying to hold his family together after a tragic accident.
• 1981:
• Threshold: He plays Dr. Thomas Vrain, a surgeon pioneering a revolutionary artificial heart procedure.
• Eye of the Needle: Sutherland stars as Henry Faber, a German spy in World War II who discovers critical information about the D-Day invasion.
• 1983:
Max Dugan Returns: He appears as Officer Brian Costello, a police officer romantically involved with a single mother whose estranged father returns.
• 1984:
Ordeal by Innocence: Sutherland plays Dr. Arthur Calgary, a man who provides an alibi for a convicted murderer, leading to new suspicions.
• 1985:
Revolution: He portrays Sergeant Major Peasy in this historical drama set during the American Revolutionary War.
• 1987:
The Rosary Murders: Sutherland stars as Father Robert Koesler, a priest who becomes entangled in a series of murders within his parish.
• 1989:
o A Dry White Season: He plays Ben du Toit, a South African teacher who becomes an anti-apartheid activist after a friend's death.
o Lock Up: Sutherland portrays Warden Drumgoole, a vindictive prison warden targeting Sylvester Stallone's character.
1990s:
• 1991:
o Backdraft: He plays Ronald Bartel, an imprisoned arsonist who assists in a fire investigation.
o JFK: Sutherland portrays "X," a mysterious informant providing crucial information about the Kennedy assassination.
• 1992:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: He appears as Merrick Jamison-Smythe, a mentor guiding the protagonist in her slayer duties.
• 1993:
Six Degrees of Separation: Sutherland plays Flan Kittredge, an art dealer whose life is disrupted by a con artist claiming to know their children.
• 1994:
Disclosure: He portrays Bob Garvin, a technology company executive embroiled in a sexual harassment lawsuit.
• 1995:
Outbreak: Sutherland plays Major General Donald McClintock, a military official advocating extreme measures during a viral outbreak.
• 1996:
A Time to Kill: He portrays Lucien Wilbanks, a disbarred attorney assisting in a racially charged murder trial.
• 1998:
Without Limits: Sutherland plays Bill Bowerman, the coach of Olympic runner Steve Prefontaine, highlighting their complex relationship.
• 1999:
Virus: He portrays Captain Robert Everton, whose ship encounters an alien life form that takes over electronics.
2000s:
• 2000:
Space Cowboys: Sutherland plays Captain Jerry O'Neill, a former pilot recruited for a space mission to repair a failing satellite.
• 2003:
o The Italian Job: He portrays John Bridger, a veteran safecracker whose betrayal sets off a quest for revenge and redemption.
o Cold Mountain: Sutherland plays Reverend Monroe, a preacher and father to Nicole Kidman's character, offering guidance during the Civil War.
• 2005:
Pride & Prejudice: He portrays Mr. Bennet, the witty and protective father of the Bennet sisters, navigating societal pressures and family dynamics.
• 2006:
Fierce People: Sutherland plays Ogden C. Osbourne, a wealthy patriarch whose influence affects a young man's coming-of-age journey.
• 2008:
Fool's Gold: He portrays Nigel Honeycutt, a billionaire whose yacht becomes the base for a treasure hunt.
2010s:
• 2010:
The Mechanic: Sutherland plays Harry McKenna, a mentor to Jason Statham's character, an elite assassin.
• 2012–2015:
The Hunger Games series: Sutherland portrays President Coriolanus Snow, the authoritarian ruler of Panem, whose oppressive regime sparks a rebellion.
• 2013:
The Best Offer: He plays Billy Whistler, an associate aiding in art forgeries and auctions.
• 2014:
The Calling: Sutherland portrays Father Price, a priest providing counsel amidst a series of mysterious deaths.
• 2015:
Forsaken: He stars alongside his son, Kiefer Sutherland, playing Reverend Clayton, a preacher attempting to reconcile with his estranged son.
2020s:
• 2020:
Alone: Sutherland plays Edward, a loner who becomes a threat to a recently widowed woman.
• 2022:
o Moonfall: He portrays Holdenfield, a conspiracy theorist with crucial information about a looming lunar disaster.
o Mr. Harrigan's Phone: Sutherland plays Mr. Harrigan, a reclusive billionaire who forms an unlikely friendship with a young boy.
• 2023:
Miranda's Victim: He portrays Judge Wren in this legal drama exploring the origins of the Miranda rights.