Donald Sutherland – star of ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘Citizen X’ – has died aged 88

Donald Sutherland has sadly died at the age of 88.

Donald Sutherland has died at the age of 88. Credit: Andreas Rentz / Getty

The beloved actor – known for his roles in movies like The Hunger Games series and television shows like Dirty Sexy Money – died following a long illness, his family has said.

In a statement, via BBC News, his son Keifer 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.”

On Instagram, the 24 star accompanied the statement with a black and white photo of him and his father.

Born in New Brunswick, Canada, Sutherland began his career as a radio news reporter before venturing to London in 1957 to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

His breakthrough came with the role of Hawkeye Pierce in the 1970 film MASH, a comedy set during the Korean War, which propelled him into the spotlight.

Afterward, he secured minor roles in British cinema and television before making waves in the World War II action film The Dirty Dozen in 1967.

Known for his unconventional charm, Sutherland continued his success with memorable roles such as Sergeant Oddball in Kelly’s Heroes, and as an IRA member in The Eagle Has Landed during the 1970s. He also portrayed a pot-smoking professor in National Lampoon’s Animal House and starred in the 1978 remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

The beloved actor made his mark on the big and small screens. Credit: Ferda Demir / Getty

In the 1980s, Sutherland delivered a poignant performance as the father of a troubled teen in Ordinary People, a role that earned him critical acclaim and an Academy Award.

Transitioning to television in the 2000s, he appeared in notable series like Dirty Sexy Money and Commander-in-Chief.

To mordern audiences, Sutherland is perhaps best recognized for his chilling portrayal of President Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games franchise, where he played the ruthless leader of Panem who orders the deadly games.

Throughout his life, Sutherland was a proud father of four sons and one daughter.

At the time of his passing, Sutherland amassed nearly 200 acting credits, leaving an indelible mark on the world of film and television.

Our thoughts go out to Sutherland’s family, friends, and fans at this time.