Iconic Actor Donald Sutherland Dies at 88: Star of “MASH,” “Ordinary People,” “Hunger Games”
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Donald Sutherland, the acclaimed actor, has died at 88. His career spanned five decades, with many beloved films.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Sutherland was born on July 17, 1935, in New Brunswick, Canada. He later moved to Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. Throughout his childhood, he battled serious illnesses like polio, rheumatic fever, and spinal meningitis. Despite these challenges, he pursued acting.
He left Canada to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. After graduating, he worked in TV and low-budget films.
Breakthrough Roles
Sutherland’s big break came with the war film “The Dirty Dozen.” The film’s ensemble cast included stars like Lee Marvin and Charles Bronson. It was the fifth highest-grossing film of 1967.
Hollywood Stardom
After moving to Hollywood, Sutherland landed a role in “MASH” (1970), playing “Hawkeye” Pierce. This anti-war comedy-drama became a classic.
In the 1970s, Sutherland starred in many successful films. These included:
“Klute” (1971), opposite Jane Fonda
“Don’t Look Now” (1973), a psychological horror
“Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (1978), a sci-fi remake
“Animal House” (1978), a hit comedy
Continued Success
In 1980, Sutherland starred in “Ordinary People,” which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Other major films include “Backdraft,” “JFK,” “Six Degrees of Separation,” “The Italian Job,” and “Pride and Prejudice.”
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Television Achievements
Sutherland also found success on TV. He won an Emmy Award for “Citizen X” (1995) and a Golden Globe for “Path to War.”
The Hunger Games and Later Recognition
A younger generation knew Sutherland as President Coriolanus Snow in “The Hunger Games” series. Despite never receiving an Oscar nomination, he received an Academy Honorary Award in 2017. He also has stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Canadian Walk of Fame.
Personal Life
Sutherland was married three times. He was married to actress Francine Racette for 52 years until his death. His previous marriages were to Lois May Hardwick and Shirley Douglas. He had five children, including actor Kiefer Sutherland.
Kiefer Sutherland’s Tribute
Kiefer Sutherland shared his admiration for his father. In a 2017 interview, he said, “I watched many of my father’s films and realized what a profoundly special actor he was. I felt guilty for not knowing earlier.”
Donald Sutherland’s legacy includes a wide spectrum of memorable characters and a lasting impact on film and television.
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He was born unwanted by his family and even spent time living in a boarding house. Not a penny for housing, he slept under his coat at bus stops. Today, he is a Hollywood star.
Losing a child is an indescribable tragedy, regardless of their age—whether they are an adult or not yet born.
Renowned Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone, who tragically lost his first child, Sage Stallone, in 2012, knows this pain all too well.
What may not be as widely known is that Sage’s mother, Sasha Czack—Stallone’s ex-wife—urged her son to avoid undergoing a major dental procedure just weeks before his untimely death.
Before the official cause of Sage’s sudden passing was revealed, speculation abounded. Some suspected suicide, drug abuse, or alcohol misuse. However, the truth turned out to be even more heartbreaking than anyone had imagined.
Sylvester Stallone Young: Photos – Hollywood Life (Source: hollywoodlife.com)
A Challenging Childhood and Adulthood
Losing a child is an unimaginable experience. Yet, even before his son’s death at the age of 36, Sylvester Stallone—famed for his portrayal of Rocky Balboa—faced significant hardships.
In many ways, Stallone’s real life mirrored that of the underdog character Rocky, which catapulted him to fame as one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars.
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From birth, Stallone endured challenges. A complication during his delivery resulted in nerve damage, leaving part of his chin and tongue paralyzed. This gave rise to his characteristic facial expression—a feature that would later contribute to his fame but made his childhood anything but easy.
Stallone’s facial deformity led to severe bullying. He has likened himself to “Mr. Potato Head,” feeling as though parts of his face were out of place. Adding to his struggles, he grew up in an emotionally cold environment, with a mother who was distant—kissing him only twice during his childhood—and a father who was physically abusive.
Unsurprisingly, these circumstances made Stallone a troubled youth. By the age of 12, he had been expelled from 13 schools and suffered 11 broken bones, including injuries from jumping off a roof with an umbrella.
Stallone eventually turned to bodybuilding, which became a stepping stone to his acting career. Before achieving stardom, he endured years of hardship, including sleeping at Manhattan’s Port Authority bus terminal while homeless. Reflecting on that period, Stallone said his one coat “saved his life” during freezing New York winters.
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His fortunes changed dramatically when he landed the lead role in Rocky in 1976, marking the start of his meteoric rise to fame.
Stallone married photographer and filmmaker Sasha Czack shortly before his career took off. Together, they had two sons: Sage, born in 1976, and Seargeoh, born in 1979.
After Stallone and Czack divorced in 1985, he married actress and model Brigitte Nielsen later that year. That union was also short-lived, ending in divorce two years later.
In 1997, Stallone married model and entrepreneur Jennifer Flavin. The couple, who remain together, have three daughters: Sophia, Sistine, and Scarlet. As the saying goes, “the third time’s the charm.”
A Heartbreaking Loss
How Did Sylvester Stallone's Son Sage Stallone Die? - Business Insider (Source: www.businessinsider.com)
Despite the ups and downs of his life, the loss of his eldest son, Sage, remains Stallone’s most profound sorrow.
Sage, a film enthusiast and entrepreneur, also dabbled in acting. He appeared alongside his father in Rocky V and Daylight. Beyond acting, Sage founded Grindhouse Releasing, a company dedicated to preserving, restoring, and remastering films.
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On July 13, 2012, Sage was found dead in his Los Angeles condominium by his housekeeper. Speculation about the cause of death arose almost immediately.
Initially, there were conflicting reports about when Sage had passed. Some suggested he had been deceased for several days, but evidence of a Facebook post made just 17 hours before his body was discovered debunked this theory.
Rumors swirled about drug or alcohol misuse, fueled by claims of a room full of bottles. However, Sage’s attorney and lifelong friend George Braunstein refuted these allegations, clarifying that Sage didn’t drink alcohol and that the bottles contained cream soda, his favorite beverage.
Braunstein described Sage as a talented and sensitive individual with no history of significant health problems or substance abuse. He also noted there were no indications of depression or suicidal tendencies. On the contrary, Sage was preparing to marry his longtime girlfriend, and no suicide note was found.
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The Los Angeles coroner’s office delayed the announcement of the cause of death, stating that further testing was needed, which would take six to eight weeks. During this time, the family endured speculation and uncertainty.
A Father’s Heartache
The loss of his son prompted Stallone to request privacy for his grieving family. He described the pain as the worst a parent can endure and urged people to remember Sage positively while showing compassion toward Sage’s mother, Sasha Czack.
“This devastating loss will be felt for the rest of our lives,” Stallone said. “I humbly ask that everyone leave my son’s memory and soul in peace. Sage was our firstborn and the center of our universe.”
Sylvester Stallone on Finally Getting to Play a Gangster in Tulsa King (Source: variety.com)
The Truth Comes to Light
Two weeks before his death, Sage had undergone dental surgery, extracting five teeth despite his mother’s warnings. Czack had advised him against the procedure, saying, “I’ve heard of people dying after extensive oral surgery.” Sage took medication for the pain and died two weeks later.
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In August 2012, autopsy results revealed that Sage’s death was due to atherosclerosis, a condition in which the arteries harden, leading to a heart attack. Although traces of painkillers were found in his system, they were not at levels indicative of an overdose.
Moving Forward
Stallone described the period of waiting for answers as “unbearable” and channeled his grief into his work as a means of coping. Today, he continues to find solace in his family, including his three daughters and second son, Seargeoh, who has largely remained out of the public eye due to his autism diagnosis.
Stallone’s daughters have found their own success: Scarlet is pursuing a career in modeling and acting, while Sophia and Sistine host a podcast titled Unwaxed.
Though the loss of Sage remains a profound tragedy, Stallone’s other children bring him comfort and joy. This story serves as a reminder of a parent’s deep instincts and the lasting legacy of a child gone too soon.
Once, a young actor won the hearts of fans everywhere. He became famous on an ABC adventure show and was also a great singer. At his height, his songs were everywhere, and people loved him.
Then, when it seemed like he had everything, he surprised everyone by leaving the spotlight. Fans were left wondering why their favorite star disappeared.
In the 1970s, he was a teenage sensation who gave up fame and luxury. His family was full of successful entertainers, which made his choice even more unexpected.
Shaun Cassidy - Born Late - Warner Bros. Records ... - Amazon.com (Source: www.amazon.com)
He grew up splitting his time between Los Angeles and New York City, places where dreams often come true. While still in high school, he signed with Warner Brothers Records. He released three multi-platinum albums, had several hit songs, and performed sold-out shows across the U.S.
As a young performer, he sang songs like “Da Doo Ron Ron” and “That’s Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Crowds went wild for him. Fans would climb on his car, pull at his hair, and even chase him during the 1977 World Series. Life was thrilling but also overwhelming.
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At the same time, he starred in The Hardy Boys Mysteries, which made him even more famous. Unlike many young stars, he avoided trouble, thanks to his supportive family. “When I became famous at 18, three family members had already been big stars,” he told Page Six.
“My dad was a Broadway star, my mom won an Oscar at 24, and my half-brother David was a pop idol.” He said watching his family handle fame helped him stay grounded.
Looking back, he said, “My career was unusual. It started with a big bang, but by 21, I stepped away. I think I just didn’t want to keep being a performer.”
Unbroken' Drama From Shaun Cassidy Handed NBC Pilot Order (Source: deadline.com)
In 1980, he performed at the Houston Astrodome for 55,000 people. The venue doesn’t exist anymore. The crowd was full of energy as he told them, “See you soon.” Then, he left the stage, fame, and his career behind.
Years later, he reflected on that moment. “I’m still figuring it out,” he told People. “But I think stepping away saved me.”
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Meanwhile, his half-brother, David Cassidy, lived a very different life. David, famous for The Partridge Family, struggled with alcoholism. His life was full of ups and downs.
In 2008, David admitted his struggles and sought help in rehab in 2014. Shaun said watching his brother battle addiction was painful and something many families go through.
Inside '70s Teen Idol Shaun Cassidy's Return to Performing (Exclusive) (Source: people.com)
David tragically died in 2017 at 67 from liver and kidney failure after years of addiction. He was the only child of Jack Cassidy and Evelyn Ward. Later, Jack married Shirley Jones, who starred in Oklahoma! Together, they had three sons: Shaun, Patrick, and Ryan. Despite hardships, the family supported David during his final days.
Through life’s challenges, Shaun found happiness. He married three times. First to Ann Pennington, a former Playboy model, with whom he had two kids, Caitlin and John. Then to actress Susan Diol, best known for Quantum Leap and Star Trek. They had a daughter, Juliet.
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Shaun’s life, from child star to a quieter existence, shows the highs and lows of fame. He discovered the value of love, family, and personal peace amid the chaos of stardom.
Oscar-Winning Actor from ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ Passes Away at 87
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Louis Gossett Jr., famous for his roles in ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ and the TV series ‘Roots’, has died at 87.
He was the first Black man to receive an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
Gossett’s work included over 200 Hollywood projects, with 12 more waiting to be released, as listed on IMDb. Sadly, he will not witness these future releases.
According to NPR, he passed away in Santa Monica, California, on March 28, 2024. A death certificate TMZ got reveals chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as the main reason for his death, along with heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Gossett had fought COPD for a long time, and his remains will be cremated.
Before shining in TV and movies, Gossett started his acting on stage. He performed on Broadway with stars like Marilyn Monroe and Sidney Poitier.
When he moved to Hollywood, people treated Gossett with great respect, but he also encountered severe racism. He shared an incident where a trip to his hotel took four and a half hours instead of 20 minutes because the police detained him, wanting to know his identity.
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He also mentioned being handcuffed to a tree for three hours just for being in Beverly Hills after 9 pm.
Despite these challenges, Gossett built a notable career. He felt it might have been more distinguished had he been white. He compared his achievements to Clint Eastwood and mentioned overcoming issues with drugs and alcohol, similar to Robert Downey Jr.
Gossett openly talked about his past drug and alcohol problems, which made him seek rehab 20 years earlier. He completed a 12-step program, focusing on overcoming resentment, which he called a “killer.”
Gossett was married three times; his first marriage was annulled, and the other two ended in divorce.
He leaves behind two children, Satie and Sharron.
Louis Gossett Jr.’s legacy includes significant achievements and his role in advancing racial equality in Hollywood. His contributions to the arts will be honored for many years.
