Kiefer William Frederick Dempsey George Rufus Sutherland (born December 21, 1966) is a Canadian television and film actor. He was born in London while his parents were working there, but was raised in Canada. He is the son of Donald Sutherland and Shirley Douglas, both actors themselves, and the grandson of Canadian statesman Tommy Douglas. He has a twin sister named Rachel, who has had a few credits in film production but does not work as an actress.
Originally known for his work in films, and for being member of the Brat Pack in the 1980s, nowadays Sutherland is probably best known for his role as special field agent Jack Bauer on the hit U.S. television show 24. 24 was originally intended to be a one time mini-series in which special agent Jack Bauer (played by Sutherland) has to stop a presidential candidate from being assassinated as well as rescue his wife and daughter (who are being held hostage). The first season was such a hit that there was a second and third season made. A fourth season began in January of 2005. There was also a graphic novel published by IDW that was released in the summer of 2004. The graphic novel is about Sutherland's character Jack Bauer when he first joins CTU; this takes place before the first season occurs.
After the original broadcast of the November 25, 2003 episode of 24, Kiefer Sutherland broke character to address the issue of gun safety, most likely to waive Fox Network of liability in case someone attempted to recreate the Russian Roulette scenes. Sutherland gave a promotion for an organization called Americans For Gun Safety Foundation. Sutherland's personal views on gun politics are unknown.
Sutherland broke character again on 24 during the original broadcast of the February 7, 2005 episode for a PSA addressing Arab Americans portrayed on the show. He said that Arab-Americans are united with other Americans in their stand against terrorists. This PSA was in response to a complaint and possible lawsuit by an Arab-American group.
On April 18, 2000, Sutherland was a featured speaker at the Friends of Medicare rally in Edmonton, Alberta, which sought to prevent the governing Conservative premier Ralph Klein from amending Bill 11 in manner which protesters alleged would permit "two-tier health care" in Canada.
During the fall of 2001, Sutherland unintentionally interrupted the filming of the premiere episode of the online series The Lonely Island. In the episode "White Power", The Dudes beat an old lady and steal her purse to facilitate their addiction to teeth whiteners. Sutherland, driving by at the time, jumped out of his car and intervened, only to discover that he was interrupting a student film. A portion of Sutherland's appearance is displayed after the credits.
Selected filmography
Sutherland has directed three and appeared in over 50 films. Some of them are listed below.
- Phone Booth (2003), as the caller.
- Woman Wanted (1999), director and playing Wendell Goddard.
- Dark City (1998), as Dr. Daniel Schreber.
- Truth or Consequences, NM (1997). Director and supporting actor, playing a double crossing criminal who ends up on the wrong side of Martin Sheen's crime lord.
- An Eye for an Eye (1996) playing the rapist and killer of Sally Field's character's daughter in this tale of revenge.
- The Three Musketeers (1993), a Walt Disney film also starring Charlie Sheen, Tim Curry and Chris O'Donnell. Based loosely on the classic novel by Alexander Dumas.
- A Few Good Men (1992). Supporting actor alongside: Jack Nicholson, Kevin Bacon, and Tom Cruise.
- Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992), the prequel to the acclaimed Twin Peaks series. Sutherland plays the partner of Chet (Chris Isaak) in this supporting role.
- Flatliners (1990), along with Julia Roberts and Kevin Bacon playing a group of medical students experimenting with death. Kiefer Sutherland and Julia Roberts became engaged during filming, however shortly afterwards Julia Roberts broke off the engagement.
- Young Guns (1988), with Emilio Estevez, and Charlie Sheen. A story about a group of outcast cowboys trying to defend the land of a man who took them in and helped educate them.
- The Lost Boys (1987) playing the leading vampire in a small town in the United States in this cult classic.
- Stand By Me (1986). Critically acclaimed film revolving around a group of young boys search for a dead body. Also starring: River Phoenix, Wil Wheaton and Corey Feldman.
- The Bay Boy (1984), his first film role, which earned him a Genie nomination for best actor.
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