Kiefer Sutherland grew up unaware of dad Donald's success

Kiefer Sutherland, a well-known actor, has shared that he grew up without fully understanding the success of his father, Donald Sutherland, who is also a famous actor. It was not until Kiefer moved to Hollywood at the age of 17 to pursue his own acting career that he began to appreciate the incredible talent of his father. In an interview that will be featured on BBC Two's Lives Well Lived program, Kiefer expressed his feelings about this realization. He recounted a moment when he called his dad and said, 'I feel so terrible. ' Donald Sutherland, who had a remarkable career with over 200 film roles, passed away in June at the age of 88. Kiefer reminisced about how, at 17, he had a friend with an extensive collection of his father's films on VHS. Over the course of two or three days, he watched many of these films and was left in awe of his father's performances. Kiefer told Donald, 'I didn't realize how special and great you are as an actor. ' Donald was deeply moved by this acknowledgment and replied, 'Well, how could you? You were just a boy. ' This heartfelt exchange marked a turning point in their relationship, bringing them closer together. In 2016, Kiefer and Donald had the opportunity to work together on a film titled Forsaken. Set in the year 1872, the movie tells the story of John Henry Clayton, a gunslinger who returns to his hometown and attempts to mend his relationship with his estranged father. While their characters in the film were in conflict, Kiefer noted that their real-life relationship was harmonious. He cherished the time spent watching his father act and felt grateful for the bond they shared during the filming. Donald Sutherland was celebrated for his roles in iconic films such as The Dirty Dozen, M*A*S*H, and Don't Look Now. However, he did not initially set out to be an actor. Growing up in a small fishing village in eastern Canada, he began studying engineering at the University of Toronto. Yet, he made the courageous decision to leave his studies and travel to England to pursue his dream of acting. Kiefer admired his father's bravery in making such a significant life choice. Donald's breakthrough role came in The Dirty Dozen, where he was initially cast in a non-speaking part but was later chosen for a more prominent role by director Bob Aldrich, who selected him seemingly at random. Kiefer described this moment as a 'real breakout moment' for his father, highlighting the significance of that opportunity. Over the years, Donald Sutherland starred in numerous important films, showcasing his exceptional talent as an actor. Kiefer expressed immense pride in his father's accomplishments and the impact he made in the film industry. Although Donald Sutherland was never nominated for an Oscar, he received an Academy Honorary Award in 2017, recognizing his lifetime contributions to cinema. Kiefer reflected on his father's legacy, stating, 'His love and his humour and his kindness were huge. ' He believes that Donald possessed 'superhuman skill' as an actor and feels fortunate to be able to watch his father's films. The Lives Well Lived program is set to air on BBC Two at 18:00 GMT on Sunday, December 29, providing viewers with a glimpse into the remarkable life and career of Donald Sutherland.