Canadian actor Donald Sutherland, renowned for his roles in films like The Hunger Games and Don't Look Now, has passed away at 88 after a prolonged illness.<br /><br />His son, actor Kiefer Sutherland, shared: "With a heavy heart, I inform you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has died. I personally believe he was one of the most important actors in the history of film."<br /><br />"Never daunted by a role, whether 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."<br /><br />The announcement prompted a wave of support and tributes. Cary Elwes, a co-star in the 2001 television film Uprising, expressed his sorrow over Sutherland's passing.<br /><br />"Our hearts are breaking for you," he conveyed to Kiefer in an Instagram message. "So grateful to have known and worked with him. Sending our love."<br /><br />Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reminisced about feeling "deeply, deeply star-struck" upon first meeting Sutherland.<br /><br />"My thoughts go out to Kiefer and the entire Sutherland family, as well as all Canadians who are undoubtedly saddened to learn this news, as I am right now," he stated.<br /><br />"He was a man with a strong presence, a brilliance in his craft, and truly, truly a great Canadian artist," he added.<br /><br />Ron Howard, who directed Sutherland in the 1991 film Backdraft, hailed him as "one of the most intelligent, interesting, and engrossing film actors of all time."<br /><br />Born in New Brunswick, Canada, Sutherland began his career as a radio news reporter before moving to London in 1957 to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
