Imagine being part of the film industry for over 60 years.
Imagine working alongside some of the greatest talents, leaving an indelible mark on every role you take on.
That’s Donald Sutherland’s story.
His memorable performances and profound insights have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
To honor his legacy, we’ve compiled some of his most memorable quotes, showcasing his wit, wisdom, and unique perspective on life and acting.
Let’s dive in!
1. On Talent and Hard Work
“You have a little bit of talent, a certain amount of good fortune, and a lot of hard work in pursuit of whatever truth you can find in it, and if you are really lucky, a terrific partner. And I have that and those four things worked out for me.”
Sutherland underscores the balance between talent, luck, and relentless effort in achieving success.
2. On Career Longevity
“I have never planned anything. I have been doing this job for over 50 years. I have been paid to work with some wonderful people, and it has been a huge gift to me.”
Here, he attributes his prolonged success to spontaneity and the joy of collaboration.
3. On Passion for Acting
“I just – I love my job. I love doing it. It’s a passionate endeavor. And sometimes you can get close to something that you believe is the truth. The truth of something. Not all the time, but sometimes.”
Sutherland’s passion for his craft shines through, highlighting the elusive nature of truth in art.
4. On Financial Struggles
“No, I’m not rich. I had a tax problem in this country, curiously enough, and my accountant said the British government was patently wrong in taxing me, and they were, but we couldn’t persuade them and it cost me everything I had.”
This candid admission shows that even successful actors face financial hurdles.
5. On Early Career Breaks
“I had a kind of meandering little career, and then I was given a chance to play one of the bottom six in The Dirty Dozen.”
Sutherland’s big break came from an unexpected opportunity, emphasizing the unpredictability of the industry.
6. On Societal Issues
“What the nation’s built on is discussion, contradiction, and growth, and at the moment you can’t discuss anything. If you do start to discuss it, you get criticized. If people hate us, you have to find out why and try to solve that problem.”
A powerful statement on the importance of dialogue and understanding in society.
7. On Cynicism
“I don’t think I have one iota of cynicism about acting.”
Sutherland’s optimism about his craft is evident, rejecting any notion of cynicism.
8. On Life’s Mistakes
“Everything was my fault. I was so dumb. But if I hadn’t made the mistakes I made, I wouldn’t have met the wonderful woman I’ve been married to for over 30 years, so I guess that makes the mistakes OK.”
He reflects on how personal errors can lead to unexpected blessings.
9. On Vietnam and Iraq
“Vietnam was a lie but at least there was a political agenda. It was the domino theory. Iraq is about nothing but George Bush’s ego laced with imperialist ambitions. And it was helped by your government.”
Sutherland wasn’t afraid to voice his strong opinions on political matters.
10. On Preparation for Roles
“I don’t think I’m an actor who takes their characters home with him. But I certainly do take the preparation home.”
Preparation is key, even if the character remains on set.
11. On Mortality
“I was obsessed with not knowing what happened after you were dead. And I sat or kneeled for a whole day with my head against the wall, trying to figure it out. But I couldn’t, and I just said, ‘Okay.’ And then it was nothingness.”
A deep, philosophical reflection on the afterlife.
12. On Imagination
“To them though, not to us, we were just a catalyst for their imagination.”
Sutherland humbly acknowledges his role in igniting audience imagination.
13. On Aging and Acting
“At my age, you sort of fart your way into a role.”
A humorous take on the realities of aging in the acting profession.
14. On Disappointment
“I haven’t been very good about dealing with disappointment. I suffer it, and then when that suffering becomes a kind of predation, then it’s gone. Because the disappointment is not always realistic.”
An honest admission about handling disappointment.
15. On the Joy of Acting
“But no, I love acting, it’s a wonderful job.”
His love for acting is simple and straightforward.
16. On Love for His Wife
“The only thing I feel passionate about is my wife.”
A touching declaration of his enduring love.
17. On Aging and Health
“I don’t want to give up living, because I enjoy it so much, and I love working – I don’t expect I’ll ever have to stop. But Alzheimer’s or something like that would render me pretty useless.”
Sutherland contemplates the impact of aging on his career.
18. On Career Variety
“I have been able to play a lot of guys and they have kept me working.”
Variety in roles has sustained his long career.
19. On the 1960s Scene
“But even with no money, you could still go to places like the Scotch Club and, you know, John Lennon might be sitting right over there, but I was certainly not a part of any of that circle. I was truly peripheral.”
Despite his fame, Sutherland felt like an outsider in the celebrity circles.
20. On Family
“I am so glad my wife tolerates me. And we have three wonderful sons.”
A light-hearted comment on family life.
21. On Filming Locations
“I love grabbing my wife and going to a distant location to film.”
Combining work and travel with his loved one was a cherished experience.
22. On Director Joe Wright
“Joe Wright called me and I also had some trepidation along those lines but he said no, it would work. He had a very clear and specific idea of what he wanted to do.”
Trust in a director’s vision is crucial for an actor.
23. On Age-Appropriate Roles
“I would look a little silly playing Casanova now.”
A humorous acknowledgment of aging out of certain roles.
24. On Being Fired
“Not too much, though there’s a certain amount of rancor and bitterness when someone tries to fire you.”
Even seasoned actors face professional rejection.
25. On Popularity of ‘The Hunger Games’
“I was at my dermatologist, and she asked me what I was doing next. I told her I was about to do something called ‘The Hunger Games.’ She gasped and started calling everyone into the room, and they all came running.”
The unexpected excitement surrounding ‘The Hunger Games’ even reached his doctor’s office.
26. On Staying Positive
“Why don’t you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don’t you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don’t you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?”
A call for positivity and appreciation of the present.
27. On Destruction by Love
“It’s the things we love most that destroy us.”
A poignant reflection on the dual nature of love.
28. On Artistic Roles
“Well, I was always cast as an artistic homicidal maniac. But at least I was artistic!”
A darkly humorous take on his typecasting.
29. On Measurement and Opinions
“One measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions.”
A nod to the value of empirical evidence over mere speculation.
30. On the Pursuit of Truth in Acting
“I never think of this business as fun. I don’t know why. I think I’ve actually said something about it being fun, but I don’t think of it that way. It’s not fun, doing it. It’s joyful, it’s passionate, it’s rewarding, it’s a pursuit of truth, but I don’t think of it as fun. It’s not a game.”
A profound statement on the seriousness and dedication required in acting.
Conclusion
Donald Sutherland’s legacy is not just in the roles he played but in the wisdom he shared.
His quotes reflect a deep understanding of life, art, and the human condition.
Whether you’re an aspiring actor, a film enthusiast, or someone looking for a dose of inspiration, Sutherland’s words offer valuable insights and lessons.
Let’s remember him not just for his cinematic excellence but for the wisdom he imparted through his reflections on life and art.
Feel free to share your favorite Donald Sutherland quotes or roles in the comments below.
Let’s celebrate his remarkable journey together!