Donald Sutherland dies aged 88 as son Kiefer pays tribute after 'long illness'

Legendary actor Donald Sutherland has died aged 88 after "a long illness."

The Canadian's agent confirmed the sad news to the PA news agency today, Thursday, June 20, reports the Mirror.

His son Kiefer Sutherland paid a heartfelt tribute this evening. He said: "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."

Sutherland broke onto the acting scene back in the late 1960s and starred in several classic films of the 70s including Klute, MASH, Don’t Look Now and Animal House.

The Hollywood star is survived by his wife Francine Racette, sons Roeg, Rossif, Angus, and Kiefer and daughter Rachel. The actor has had four grandchildren.

The actor's agent CAA announced Sutherland's death to PA agency, as they said: “Acclaimed actor Donald Sutherland died today in Miami, Florida, after a long illness. He was 88 years old.”

He won a Golden Globe for the television movie Path To War and another gong along with an Emmy Award for the the mini-series Citizen X.

In 2017 he received an Academy Honorary Award for his acting performances. His most recent roles included The Hunger Games film franchise as dictator president Coriolanus Snow, and as a judge in the 2023 TV show Lawmen: Bass Reeves.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.