Sutherland was born on July 17, 1935, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. His father was a sales representative and his mother was a homemaker. When he was a child, his family moved frequently due to his father’s job, living in various cities such as Halifax, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. However, it was during this time that Sutherland developed his love for acting and performing.
He attended Victoria College in Toronto where he studied engineering for a short time before realising his passion lay in acting. He then enrolled at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and honed his skills under the tutelage of some of the best acting coaches in the world.
In 1963, Sutherland made his film debut in a small role in the war drama movie, The Great Escape, starring alongside greats such as Steve McQueen, James Garner, Charles Bronson, and Richard Attenborough. However, it was his breakout role as Hawkeye Pierce in Robert Altman’s anti-war comedy M*A*S*H in 1970 that firmly established him as a leading actor in Hollywood. The film was a massive hit and won an Oscar for best screenplay.
Sutherland went on to have several successful roles throughout the ’70s, including his portrayal of the alien-possessed Dr. Matthew Bennell in 1978’s Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Captain Vernon Pinkley in The Dirty Dozen, and performances in the critically acclaimed films Klute and Don’t Look Now.
In the ’80s and ’90s, Sutherland continued to make great strides in his career, taking on challenging roles in films such as Ordinary People, which won an Academy Award for Best Picture in 1981, and JFK, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. He also starred in the dystopian science fiction film, The Hunger Games series, portraying the character of President Snow, which brought him to a new generation of fans.
Throughout his extensive career, Sutherland has been honoured with numerous awards and recognitions for his exceptional acting abilities. In 2011, he was bestowed with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, and in 2017, he was presented with the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award in recognition of his lifetime of work and contribution to Canadian arts and culture.
Sutherland also possesses a social conscience, and is an outspoken activist for various causes, such as environmental conservation and anti-war movements. He has been a strong advocate for social justice and human rights, working tirelessly to promote these causes around the world.
In conclusion, Donald Sutherland is a legendary actor who has achieved unparalleled success throughout his career, consistently providing powerful and memorable performances. With his distinguished talents and impactful activism, he remains one of the most respected and beloved actors of all time.