Veteran actor Elliott Gould expressed deep sorrow over the passing of his longtime friend and co-star Donald Sutherland, who died at the age of 88. Gould, known for his roles in classic films like “MASH” and “SPYS,” shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram following Sutherland’s death in Miami after battling a prolonged illness.
In his emotional message, Gould reflected on their close bond, describing Sutherland as “like my brother” and emphasizing his immense talent and generosity. The two actors first worked together on Robert Altman’s iconic 1970 film “MASH,” a dark comedy set during the Korean War, where they starred alongside notable actors like Tom Skerritt and Sally Kellerman. They later reunited for Ivan Kershner’s comedy “SPYS” in 1974.
Gould also highlighted a personal connection between their families, noting that both became fathers to sons born just a week apart in December 1966—Jason Gould and Kiefer Sutherland, the latter of whom gained fame for his roles in “24” and “Designated Survivor.”
Sutherland, whose career spanned decades and included a wide range of memorable roles in films such as “The Dirty Dozen,” “Klute,” and “The Hunger Games” franchise, received numerous accolades including an Emmy and a Golden Globe. He was also honored with a 2017 Honorary Oscar for his contributions to the film industry.
Gould’s tribute underscored the profound impact Sutherland had on both his personal life and career, expressing the difficulty of losing such a remarkable individual.
