Born on July 17, 1935, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, Sutherland was the son of an engineer and a teacher. He grew up in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, attending Victoria College in Toronto where he majored in engineering and drama. Sutherland made his debut on the stage in the late 1950s and joined the CBC Television drama department in 1959. He quickly became one of the most in-demand actors in Canada, appearing in a variety of theater productions and television shows.
Sutherland launched his film career in the early 1960s, and his first major role was as Vernon Pinkley in “The Dirty Dozen.” The film was a huge hit and established Sutherland as a major talent in Hollywood. He went on to earn critical acclaim for his performance in “M*A*S*H,” and “Klute,” earning nominations for Golden Globes in both films. Sutherland also starred in “Don’t Look Now” opposite Julie Christie, which became one of the most iconic horror films of all time.
Sutherland continued to act throughout the 1970s and 1980s, starring in films such as “Ordinary People,” “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” and “Animal House.” He earned critical acclaim for his performance in Bernardo Bertolucci’s “1900,” which won the Best Foreign Language Film award at the prestigious New York Film Critics Circle Awards. Sutherland also received an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of American scientist Robert Oppenheimer in the miniseries “Oppenheimer.”
The 1990s saw Sutherland continue to work at a prodigious rate, appearing in films such as “JFK,” “Outbreak,” and “Six Degrees of Separation.” He also continued to work in television, starring in the HBO miniseries “Citizen X,” which earned him his second Emmy nomination. He would also go on to work with his son Kiefer in the hit TV series “24.”
In the new century, Sutherland has continued to be a prolific actor, appearing in films such as “The Italian Job,” “Cold Mountain,” and “Pride and Prejudice.” He has also lent his voice to various animated and video games characters. He is perhaps best known for his role as President Snow in “The Hunger Games,” a series of films that have become some of the highest-grossing films in history.
Sutherland has been recognized for his contribution to the film industry and has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He has been nominated for eight Golden Globe Awards, winning two in the categories of Best Supporting Actor for “Ordinary People” and Best Actor for “Citizen X.” He was also awarded a Lifetime Achievement Oscar in 2017.
In addition to his work as an actor, Sutherland has been an advocate for political activism and has been involved in a number of causes over the years. He was involved in the anti-nuclear movement, marched against the Vietnam War, and has been a vocal supporter of environmental causes.
In conclusion, Donald Sutherland is an icon in the film industry and has left an indelible mark on Hollywood. His extensive body of work showcases his versatility as an actor and his ability to take on challenging roles with ease. As he continues to work, he remains an inspiration to the young generation of actors and serves as a reminder that true talent, hard work, and dedication can help one achieve anything they want to in life.