Veteran actor Donald Sutherland passed away at 88

LOS ANGELES, United States — Donald Sutherland, the enigmatic actor whose lengthy career encompassed films including "The Dirty Dozen" and "The Hunger Games," has died, his son said Thursday. He was 88.

"With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away," actor Kiefer Sutherland wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The elder Sutherland had a distinctive look — and piercing eyes — that brought a depth and mystery to the huge range of roles he inhabited over more than half a century on the big screen.

One of Canada's most famous sons, he played dashing leading men as well as antiheroes and villains, most recently making a name among a new generation of fans as the evil President Snow in "The Hunger Games" franchise.

"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," wrote Kiefer Sutherland.

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… pic.twitter.com/3EdJB03KKT

Reaction to the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winner's death was swift, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hailing his unique talents.

"I had the opportunity when I was much younger to meet Donald Sutherland, and even as a young man who hadn't had a full exposure to the depth of brilliance of Donald Sutherland, I was deeply, deeply star struck," he told a press conference.

"He was a man with a strong presence, a brilliance in his craft, and truly, truly, a great Canadian artist, and he will be deeply missed."

US President Joe Biden paid tribute to a "one-of-a-kind actor who inspired and entertained the world for decades."

Ron Howard, who directed Sutherland alongside Robert De Niro and Kurt Russell in action-thriller "Backdraft," called him "one of the most intelligent, interesting & engrossing film actors of all time."

"Incredible range, creative courage & dedication to