Net Worth Ranker
What Is Donald Sutherland Net Worth
At the time of his passing in 2024, Canadian actor Donald Sutherland had a net worth estimated at $60 million. This substantial net worth was accumulated over a career that spanned more than six decades, marked by diverse and memorable roles in film and television.
Donald Sutherland’s Career and Financial Highlights
Donald Sutherland’s career began in the mid-1960s, with early roles in British television series. His first feature film was “Castle of the Living Dead” in 1964. He then took on roles in various television series, but a significant breakthrough came with his casting in “The Dirty Dozen” in 1967, which helped establish him in Hollywood. The success of “The Dirty Dozen” played a pivotal role in propelling him to seek a career in the United States.
During the 1970s, Sutherland solidified his position as a leading man with performances in films like “Don’t Look Now,” “The Eagle Has Landed,” and “Eye of the Needle.” His involvement in “National Lampoon’s Animal House” in 1978 as a marijuana-smoking professor, though initially considered a minor role, added to his diverse filmography and contributed to his net worth indirectly.
One of the most crucial financial decisions in Sutherland’s career centered around his involvement in “National Lampoon’s Animal House.” He was initially offered 2.5% of the film’s profits plus a $35,000 salary. Thinking the film would flop, Sutherland declined. The studio then offered $35,000 plus 15% of the film’s gross earnings, which he again declined, opting instead for a one-time payment of $50,000. “Animal House” grossed $141 million. Had Sutherland accepted the 15% stake, he would have earned approximately $20 million. When adjusted for inflation, $20 million in 1978 is equivalent to roughly $94 million today, representing a missed opportunity to substantially increase his net worth.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Sutherland continued to take on diverse roles in films like “Ordinary People,” “JFK,” “Disclosure,” and “A Time to Kill,” the latter co-starring his son Kiefer Sutherland. These roles kept him relevant in the film industry and contributed to his sustained income. During the 2000s and 2010s, Sutherland’s career saw a resurgence with roles in films like “Cold Mountain,” “Pride & Prejudice,” and “The Italian Job.” A significant boost to his net worth came from his portrayal of President Snow in “The Hunger Games” franchise, starting in 2012. This role introduced him to a new generation of fans and provided substantial earnings through multiple sequels.
Real Estate Assets
Donald Sutherland’s real estate holdings contributed to his overall net worth. From 1980 to 2014, he owned an oceanfront townhome in Santa Monica, California, which he personally designed. He sold this property in September 2014 for $2.5 million. In 2010, Sutherland purchased a home in Beverly Hills for $3.3 million. These real estate transactions reflect his investment strategies and contribute to the understanding of his net worth.
Family and Personal Life
Donald Sutherland was born on July 17, 1935, in Saint John, New Brunswick. Throughout his career, his personal life also intersected with his professional endeavors, as seen in his relationships and family. Sutherland was married three times. His first marriage was to Lois Hardwick in 1959, which ended in 1966. That same year, he married Shirley Douglas, with whom he had twins, Rachel and Kiefer, born in 1966. This marriage ended in 1970. In 1972, he married Francine Racette, and they had three sons. Notably, Sutherland named his sons after directors, a detail that underscores his deep connection to the film industry. Kiefer Sutherland, named after Warren Kiefer, who directed Donald’s first film, “Castle of the Living Dead,” has also achieved success in the entertainment industry, adding a familial dimension to Donald’s legacy.
