David Oyelowo Remembers ‘Bass Reeves’ Co-Star Donald Sutherland As “Inquisitive, Hungry Artist Still On The Hunt For The Truth”

Nellie Andreeva

20 June 2024 at 5:00 pm·1-min read

The last major role of Donald Sutherland, who died Thursday at the age of 88, was on the Paramount+ limited series Lawmen: Bass Reeves, headlined and executive produced by David Oyelowo.

The film and TV icon played the imposing Judge Isaac Parker (aka “Hanging Judge”) on the highly rated Western, which told the story of Bass Reeves (Oyelowo), the first African American Deputy U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi River.

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Following Sutherland’s death, Oyelowo spoke about sharing the screen with the renowned Hollywood veteran.

“Given the iconic status he rightly achieved, having a front row seat to Donald Sutherland’s last onscreen performance was both a privilege and clear evidence to me of his deep passion for the craft of acting,” Oyelowo told Deadline. “The glint in his eye was that of an inquisitive, hungry artist still on the hunt for the truth. Seeing that glint, up close, in the eyes of a legend was something to behold.”

Key Art for <em>Lawmen: Bass Reeves</em> featuring Dennis Quaid as Sherrill Lynn, David Oyelowo as Bass Reeves and Donald Sutherland as Judge Parker — Key Art for *Lawmen: Bass Reeves* featuring Dennis Quaid as Sherrill Lynn, David Oyelowo as Bass Reeves and Donald Sutherland as Judge Parker

Sutherland has been submitted in the Supporting Actor category for the 2024 Primetime Emmys, where Bass Reeves and Oyelowo are major contenders. Sutheland has been Emmy-nominated twice before, winning in 1995 for Citizen X.

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