Donald Sutherland, the acclaimed Canadian actor known for several roles in films such as “MASH” and “The Hunger Games” saga, has passed away at the age of 88, his agency, CAA, confirmed, as reported by Variety. While the exact cause of death has not been disclosed, Deadline reports that the actor died “after a long illness” in Miami on Thursday, June 20.
Sutherland had a prolific and diverse career, with notable performances both in film and TV, winning an Emmy for supporting actor in 1995. He also won an honorary Oscar in 2017, as well as two Golden Globe Awards, and a Critics Choice Award.
He first won recognition as a figure in the “countercultural” movement in the film industry, but across six decades, he showcased his versatility as an actor working on every genre from dramas to romance, from political thrillers to comedies. Here’s a list of some of his most iconic movies and where to watch them.
Donald Sutherland’s best movies and TV shows
The Dirty Dozen (1967)
Available to watch on: Rent/Buy Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Youtube, AppleTV
‘The Dirty Zone’
Sutherland appeared in this star-studded war film, directed by Robert Aldrich, alongside Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, and Charles Bronson. The film follows Major John Reisman (Marvin), who is assigned to lead a group of convicted soldiers on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines during World War II. Sutherland’s character, Vernon Pinkley, was a stand out.
MASH (1970)
Available to watch on: Rent/Buy Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Youtube, AppleTV
‘Mash’ (IMDb)
Directed by Robert Altman, “MASH” is a dark comedy set during the Korean War, featuring Sutherland as Hawkeye Pierce and Elliott Gould as Trapper John McIntyre. The film satirizes the absurdities of war and military life through the antics of surgeons at a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. Sutherland’s performance as the irreverent and skilled surgeon Hawkeye Pierce became iconic, embodying the anti-establishment spirit of the era.
Klute (1971)
Available to watch on: Tubi (free)
‘Klute’ (IMDb)
In Alan J. Pakula’s “Klute,” Sutherland stars as private detective John Klute and Jane Fonda as Bree Daniels, a call girl involved in a missing person case. The film is a psychological thriller that delves into themes of surveillance and identity. Fonda won an Oscar for her portrayal of Bree.
Don’t Look Now (1973)
Available to watch on: Paramount+, PlutoTV, The Criterion Channel and Showtime (AppleTV+ add-on)
Donald Sutherland in ‘Don’t Look Now’ (IMDb)
Directed by Nicolas Roeg, “Don’t Look Now” is a psychological horror film starring Sutherland and Julie Christie as a couple grieving the death of their daughter. Set in a hauntingly atmospheric Venice, the film follows the couple as they encounter strange and supernatural occurrences. It’s considered as one of his best performances.
Ordinary People (1980)
Available to watch on: Max
‘Ordinary People’ (IMDb)
Sutherland starred in this drama, helmed by Robert Redford, as Calvin Jarret, a father trying to hold his family together after the accidental death of his older son. Mary Tyler Moore and Timothy Hutton completed the cast. The film won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Without Limits (1998)
Available to watch on: Tubi, The Roku Channel
‘Without Limits’ (IMDb)
Directed by Robert Towne, “Without Limits” is a biographical sports drama about the life of American long-distance runner Steve Prefontaine. Billy Crudup stars as Prefontaine, with Donald Sutherland playing his coach, Bill Bowerman.
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Available to watch on: Rent/Buy Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Youtube, AppleTV
‘Pride and Prejudice’ (IMDb)
In Joe Wright’s beloved adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel, Sutherland portrayed Mr. Bennett with grace, warmth and tenderness. The film stars Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy.
The Hunger Games Saga
Available to watch on: AMC+
‘The Hunger Games’ (IMDb)
For a generation of millennials, Donald Sutherland is best known for his role of President Snow in “The Hunger Games” saga, a dystopian film series based on the novels by Suzanne Collins. He often talked about the series with reverence, saying that it was important for the political awakening of young people.
Citizen X (1995) – TV film-
Available to watch on: Max
‘Citizen X’ (IMDb)
The film follows detectives in the Soviet Union as they attempt to capture an elusive serial killer targeting women and children in the 1980s, while facing numerous bureaucratic obstacles. The film also stars Stephen Rea and Max Von Sydow. It is adapted from Robert Cullen’s 1993 non-fiction book, “The Killer Department.”
