In a tragic turn of events, Donald Sutherland, the esteemed actor known for his multi-generational career in film and television, has passed away at the age of 88. The news was confirmed by his son and fellow actor, Kiefer Sutherland, who shared the heart-wrenching announcement on social media. The talent agency representing Sutherland also confirmed his passing.

Kiefer Sutherland expressed his grief, stating, "With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. I personally think he was one of the most important actors in the history of film. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. A life well-lived."

Donald Sutherland's illustrious career began over 50 years ago when he auditioned for his first role. Since then, he made his mark on the entertainment industry, appearing in over 150 films and television shows. Despite his remarkable performances, Sutherland surprisingly never received an Oscar nomination, earning him the title of one of the greatest actors to have never been recognized by the Academy.

However, in 2017, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences acknowledged Sutherland's immense contributions by presenting him with an honorary Oscar at its Governors Awards ceremony. This prestigious recognition highlighted his unparalleled talent and dedication to his craft.

Born in New Brunswick, Canada, in 1935, Sutherland had a diverse educational background, obtaining degrees in engineering and drama from the University of Toronto before embarking on his acting career. He began with minor roles in Italian and British films before gaining recognition for his breakthrough role as Vernon Pinkley in the 1967 film "The Dirty Dozen," which catapulted him to stardom.

Throughout his career, Sutherland delivered memorable performances in various genres, showcasing his versatility as an actor. From his impactful role in "M*A*S*H" to his captivating portrayal in "JFK" and his comedic appearances in films like "Animal House" and "The Con Artist," Sutherland truly left an indelible mark on the entertainment world.

His talent was recognized with numerous accolades, including an Emmy win for Best Supporting Actor in HBO's "Citizen X" in 1995. Sutherland was also nominated for nine Golden Globes, emerging victorious on two occasions.

In a 1970 interview with The Washington Post, Sutherland expressed his preference for character roles, emphasizing the challenge and longevity they provided. He believed that a good character actor has the ability to captivate audiences with a different face in every film, avoiding monotony and continuously captivating the public.

With Donald Sutherland's passing, the world mourns the loss of an iconic actor whose passion for his craft and transformative performances will continue to inspire generations to come. His legacy will forever be etched in the annals of film history as one of the industry's true greats.