William Baldwin is reflecting on the life and career of a Hollywood original, Donald Sutherland, following his passing on Thursday, June 20, after a long illness at the age of 88.
Of the more than 200 films and television roles on his resume, Baldwin got to work alongside the late actor on three productions,including the action drama Backdraft (1991), the sci-fi thriller Virus (1999), and the ABC drama series Dirty Sexy Money (2007-2009).
After having played his onscreen son Patrick Darling IV for two seasons on Dirty Sexy Money, Baldwin said it turned out to be 'by far my favorite' of the three.
'Donald was a complex, complicated and quirky man in the most delicious way, he said in the statement on X.'He had a gentle, childlike boyish streak in him that I absolutely adored. His persona onscreen and his personality in life were as interesting and original as the features on his face.'
'He was a true original. A one of a kind,' Baldwin continued. 'I have never known anyone remotely like him. His many incredible qualities and somehow even his flaws made him more unique, more charming... more lovable.'
William Baldwin, 61, shared a heartfelt tribute to late actor Donald Sutherland following his death at the age of 88 on Thursday, June 20
Baldwin proceeded to tell a story about how Sutherland's love and passion for his craft shined through until the end.
It happened shortly after a table reading forDirty Sexy Money when Sutherland had big smile on his face' and a 'bounce in his step.'
'[He] said to me… "Look at this... read this." He proceeded to hand me his script and I read a scene that had lots of snappy, brilliant ... dialogue in it,' theForgetting Sarah Marshall star explained. 'He said to me… "Can you believe that? Can you believe I get to say that… how wonderful." It was so sweet and so exhilarating for me to see how excited he still was about the work [then] at 73 years old.'
Baldwin went on to share an intimate moment he shared with his friend and colleague that has left a lasting impact on him ever since.
'We had gotten so close during the two seasons we worked together that he once said to me… "I have affection for you as if you were one of my sons." That meant to the world to me and I will never forget that,' he revealed.
Sutherland is survived by five children, including his 24 and Designated Survivor actor son Kiefer Sutherland, who took to his Instagram page to share the sad news of his dad's death.
'With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away,' the 57-year-old wrote with obvious emotion to his words. '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.'
Along with his five children, Sutherland also leaves behind his wife and actress Francine Racette, whom he married in 1972, and five grandchildren.
Baldwin revealed he had 'the honor and pleasure of working with Donald Sutherland on three occasions' during his career, includingthe action drama Backdraft (1991), the sci-fi thriller Virus (1999), and the ABC drama series Dirty Sexy Money (2007-2009)
After having played his onscreen son Patrick Darling IV for two seasons on ABC's Dirty Sexy Money, Baldwin said it turned out to be 'by far my favorite' of the three productions he starred with Sutherland; pictured in scene are William Baldwin, Natalie Zea, Glenn FItzgerald, Peter Krause, Zoe McLellan, Donald Sutherland, Jill Clayburgh
Sutherland , who passed away in Miami after a long illness, leaves behind his wife and five children, including son Keifer, and five grandchildren; he and Keifer are seen in 2006
Keifer Sutherland described his dad as someone who 'loved what he did and did what he loved,' in his Instagram tribute
The Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada native was married three times during his lifetime, which including to former child actress Lois Hardwick (1959-1966), as well as actress Shirley Douglas (1966-1970).
Spanning a career of more than 60 years, Sutherland made his professional acting debut on television in the BBC drama anthology seriesStudio 4 (1962), and on film in the British dramaThe World Ten Times Over (1962).
His many stellar performances includeThe Dirty Dozen (1967),M*A*S*H (1970),Kelly's Heroes (1970),Klute (1971),Don't Look Now (1973),Fellini's Casanova (1976), , 1900 (1976),The Eagle Has Landed (1976),Animal House (1978), Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1978), The First Great Train Robbery (1978), Ordinary People (1980),Eye Of The Needle (1981).
Sutherland was immortalized when he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame in Hollywood, California on January 26, 2011
He later went on to star in many other films where he appeared either in leading or supporting roles such asA Dry White Season (1989), JFK (1991),Outbreak (1995),A Time To Kill (1998),Without Limits (1998),Space Cowboys (2000),Big Shot's Funeral (2001), The Italian Job (2003),Cold Mountain (2003),Pride & Prejudice (2005),Aurora Borealis (2006), andThe Hunger Games (2012-2015).
Sutherland was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame in Hollywood, California on January 26, 2011.
And while he received many accolades during his career, Sutherland has been cited as one of the best actors never to have received an Academy Award nomination, although he did get anHonorary Academy Award in 2017.
'There will never be another Donald Sutherland... ever,' Baldwin declared. 'We have lost a true acting master and a quirky, one of a kind, never met anyone like him before original. … He will be dearly missed.'
