Biography Channel Profile Of Kiefer Sutherland
Biography - Kiefer Sutherland
Full Name: Kiefer William Frederick Dempsey George Rufus Sutherland
Source: myspace.com/kiefersutherland (Official Page)
To whom it may concern, [I guess if you’re reading this, that means you]
My name is Kiefer Sutherland, and I’ve been asked to open a myspace page. Not that I am a complete technophobe, but to say that I am late to experience the internet would be an understatement. I am however, open to the challenge.
The timing seemed right to start this page now, since I have a new film called MIRRORS, a project I am very proud of and eager to share with all of you.
But as I sit down to write this, I must admit the notion of reaching out to people who have been there for me all these years feels more like fun than work.
One of the frustrating parts of being on film and television is being unable to personally thank each and every one of you who have supported me over many years. You are the reason I’ve been able to live my dream as an actor, and for that I am profoundly grateful.
I should probably start by telling you some basics about myself. I was born in London, England in 1966 at St. Mary’s hospital in Paddington. Seven minutes later I was followed by my twin sister, Rachel. My mother’s name is Shirley Douglas, and my father is Donald Sutherland.
Both were in England working as actors. In 1969 my family moved from the UK to the US because of work opportunities for my father. We lived in Los Angeles until 1976. My parents then divorced, and Shirley, Rachel and I moved to Toronto, Canada. Through the obvious fears of change, I actually felt some excitement for the opportunity to live closer to my grandparents Irmie and Tommy Douglas.
My grandfather was a political force in Canada. Early on in his career, he was the Premier of Saskatchewan and later became the leader of the New Democratic Party, otherwise known as the NDP. In Canada he is affectionately known as the father of health care, something I am immensely proud of. I will tell you more about him later.
Rachel and I went to a variety of schools until I was almost sixteen years old. She was a much better student than I, a point I hope this letter will not reveal too greatly…
From the time I was twelve I was fascinated with guitar, and thought somehow music was going to play a major part in my life. I had played, though not very well, in a few bands until one evening I went to see my mother in a production of WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOLF?. Her performance stopped me dead in my tracks. I had seen her in many plays before, and somehow always knew that this was my mother, Shirley onstage. Not this time. Somewhere in the 2nd act, she had become the character of Martha, and all traces of my Mum were gone. The curtain dropped, the play had finished, and I sat alone in an empty theater amazed at the power it had on me.
From that point forward, my energy and desire had shifted to acting. I started studying and training, and soon was doing what all young actors do… looking for an agent, going out on large open casting calls, and getting used to the phrase “no thank you”.
After a year and a half and a few small plays way, way, way out of town… the break of a lifetime loomed on the horizon. Film director Daniel Petrie had returned to Canada to tell his semi-autobiographical story, THE BAY BOY.
Daniel was an accomplished director, having made films such as FORT APACHE, THE BRONX, RAISIN IN THE SUN, and THE DOLL MAKER, to name a few.
During the first audition my heart was beating so loud I could barely hear him speak. Over what appeared to be an eternity of meetings, which in reality took about 3 weeks, I managed to collect myself and do my best. After an agonizing 2 days of waiting to hear his answer, I earned the part of Donald.
I remember I had to step outside to jump up and down, so I wouldn’t hit my head on the 6 foot ceiling in my basement apartment.
Over the course of making that film Dan took me under his wing and tried to teach me everything from character development to what a mark was. [A mark is a piece of tape or a chalked line where the actor stands in front of the camera]Much of what Dan had taught me, I find as important today as I did back then.
This is what I will always consider to be the beginning of my career. THE BAY BOY was a small but successful film, and was a critical success in both Canada and the US.
Within a year I moved to New York City and did some theater work at the Williamstown Theater Festival. I did some smaller showcases around town as well, but it wasn’t long before I found myself in Los Angeles, meeting with directors like Steven Spielberg and Rob Reiner. It is this period in the early 80’s that I will remember as one of the most exciting and happy times of my life.
All my best,
Kiefer
"This has been the role of a lifetime, and I will never be able to fully express my appreciation to everyone who made it possible, but when all is said and done, it is the loyal worldwide fan base that made it possible for me to have the experience of playing the role of Jack Bauer, and for that I am eternally grateful."
— Kiefer Sutherland on the end of '24'
Interesting Kiefer Facts
Grandson of former Saskatchewan premier Tommy Douglas, leader of the first elected socialist government in North America. Douglas was premier from 1944-1961, and was known as the father of Canada's government-funded medical system.
Owns Ironworks Studio together with his musical partner singer/songwriter/composer Jude Cole. Kiefer also owns a valuable collection of about 50 vintage guitars which he and his partners has been playing in studio sessions and live performances.
Son of actor Donald Sutherland and actress Shirley Douglas
Traveled with the rodeo circuit in the late 1990s and won rodeos in Phoenix and Albuquerque.
Earned first place in the US Team Roping Championships.
Twin sister Rachel Sutherland is a TV post-production supervisor in Toronto.
Named after Warren Kiefer, pen name of Lorenzo Sabatini. Sabatini directed Castle of the Living Dead (1964) [aka Castle of the Living Dead (1964)], in which Donald Sutherland made his theatrical film debut.
Daughter, Sarah Sutherland, with Camelia Kath, was born on February 18, 1988.
Daughter, Sarah Sutherland, likes to make fun of the fact that he's computer illiterate.
During filming of Stand by Me (1986), stayed in character off-camera by often picking on Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman and Jerry O'Connell.
Appears in one scene of Article 99 (1992) wearing glasses and a fishing bucket hat, a tip to father Donald Sutherland, who sported the same look in MASH (1970).
For his role in The Wild (2006), he had to practice roaring like a lion. Rather than doing it at his home with his daughter and stepdaughter around, he practiced in his car while driving on the freeway, completely unaware of a woman in the next lane watching him.
When starting up on the rodeo circuit he decided to buy all the things needed. The horses, the bulls/cows, the tractors, the 900 acre ranch in Montana, then sold it once he was finished.
His role as Jack Bauer in "24" (2001) is his first regular role on a television series.
Since 2001, Sutherland is best recognized for his work on 24 as Jack Bauer, a part he won after consideration of several other actors, including Richard Burgi. He received numerous accolades for the role throughout the series' run, including five consecutive nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (winning one for Season 5 in 2006), five consecutive Golden Globe nomination (winning in 2001), and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. At one point, Sutherland became the highest-paid actor on television, with a salary of $40 million for a three-season contract. (Source: 24.wikia.com)
Even though he physically appears onscreen for less than three minutes in Phone Booth (2002), he received second billing behind Colin Farrell.
On January 23, 2005, became the first "Inside the Actors Studio" (1994) guest to be the offspring of a former guest. His father, Donald Sutherland appeared on the show in 1998.
Was originally slated to play grandfather Tommy Douglas in "Prairie Giant: The Tommy Douglas Story" (2006), but had to relinquish the role in late 2004 due to scheduling conflicts with the fourth season of "24" (2001).
Is seven minutes older than sister Rachel Sutherland.
When he was eight, he moved to Canada where he spent the next eight years of his life.
He left Canada to do commercials in New York. In 1983 he landed a jeans advertisement and got enough money to buy a car and go to California.
Is close friends with hockey legend Wayne Gretzky.
Attended the funeral of actor Brandon Lee (who was accidentally shot by Michael Massee while filming The Crow (1994)). Coincidentally, Massee later played villain Ira Gaines in the first season of "24" (2001).
Is the spokesperson for Calorie Mate Japan in character from '24'
Attended St. Andrew's College in Aurora, Ontario.
Has three half-brothers: Roeg Sutherland (b. 1974), Rossif Sutherland (b. 1978) and Angus Sutherland (b. 1982).
At about 5'9", Kiefer is extremely short by the standards of his father's side of the family. For example, his father stands 6' 4" and his half-brothers are all well over 6 feet.
Starred alongside Dennis Hopper in Flashback (1990/I). Hopper later played "Victor Drazen" in the final four episodes of Season One of "24" (2001).
Is a huge fan of the rock band Queen.
Has a 1967 Chevy Chevelle that he has a "personal attachment to"
Broke three fingers in his first rodeo.
He attended seven different schools in ten years.
Has spent 15 hours a day, six days a week, for the last five years on the set of "24" (2001).
His grandfather (former Saskatchewan premier Tommy Douglas) was voted "The Greatest Canadian".
Upon the conclusion of season 5 of "24" (2001), Kiefer has spent more on-screen time as the character "Jack Bauer" than as all of his previous roles combined. He has also received more nominations for the show than his entire film career.
His ex-wife, Camelia Kath, is the widow of Chicago guitarist Terry Kath.
Has a very large collection of vintage guitars (a 1959 Les Paul, a '67 Telecaster, a '68 ES335 and about fifty-five more).
Lived in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles from 2002-2009.
When his character, Jack Bauer, got a new tattoo (part of the plot line) for Season 3 of "24" (2001) instead of having to go though tedious make up for each scene which the tattoo would show, Kiefer had a real tattoo inked onto his arm.
In 2005, he was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in Toronto.
He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television at 7024 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
Considers his father, Donald Sutherland, to be one of the greatest actors of all-time.
While visiting Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2007, he stayed at the world-famous Copacabana Palace Hotel.
Was roommates with Robert Downey Jr. for three years during their early days in Hollywood in the 80s.
Between scenes on the set, Kiefer likes to relax by playing chess.
Source: IMDB.com
Owns Ironworks Studio together with his musical partner singer/songwriter/composer Jude Cole. Kiefer also owns a valuable collection of about 50 vintage guitars which he and his partners has been playing in studio sessions and live performances.
Son of actor Donald Sutherland and actress Shirley Douglas
Traveled with the rodeo circuit in the late 1990s and won rodeos in Phoenix and Albuquerque.
Earned first place in the US Team Roping Championships.
Twin sister Rachel Sutherland is a TV post-production supervisor in Toronto.
Named after Warren Kiefer, pen name of Lorenzo Sabatini. Sabatini directed Castle of the Living Dead (1964) [aka Castle of the Living Dead (1964)], in which Donald Sutherland made his theatrical film debut.
Daughter, Sarah Sutherland, with Camelia Kath, was born on February 18, 1988.
Daughter, Sarah Sutherland, likes to make fun of the fact that he's computer illiterate.
During filming of Stand by Me (1986), stayed in character off-camera by often picking on Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman and Jerry O'Connell.
Appears in one scene of Article 99 (1992) wearing glasses and a fishing bucket hat, a tip to father Donald Sutherland, who sported the same look in MASH (1970).
For his role in The Wild (2006), he had to practice roaring like a lion. Rather than doing it at his home with his daughter and stepdaughter around, he practiced in his car while driving on the freeway, completely unaware of a woman in the next lane watching him.
When starting up on the rodeo circuit he decided to buy all the things needed. The horses, the bulls/cows, the tractors, the 900 acre ranch in Montana, then sold it once he was finished.
His role as Jack Bauer in "24" (2001) is his first regular role on a television series.
Since 2001, Sutherland is best recognized for his work on 24 as Jack Bauer, a part he won after consideration of several other actors, including Richard Burgi. He received numerous accolades for the role throughout the series' run, including five consecutive nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (winning one for Season 5 in 2006), five consecutive Golden Globe nomination (winning in 2001), and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. At one point, Sutherland became the highest-paid actor on television, with a salary of $40 million for a three-season contract. (Source: 24.wikia.com)
Even though he physically appears onscreen for less than three minutes in Phone Booth (2002), he received second billing behind Colin Farrell.
On January 23, 2005, became the first "Inside the Actors Studio" (1994) guest to be the offspring of a former guest. His father, Donald Sutherland appeared on the show in 1998.
Was originally slated to play grandfather Tommy Douglas in "Prairie Giant: The Tommy Douglas Story" (2006), but had to relinquish the role in late 2004 due to scheduling conflicts with the fourth season of "24" (2001).
Is seven minutes older than sister Rachel Sutherland.
When he was eight, he moved to Canada where he spent the next eight years of his life.
He left Canada to do commercials in New York. In 1983 he landed a jeans advertisement and got enough money to buy a car and go to California.
Is close friends with hockey legend Wayne Gretzky.
Attended the funeral of actor Brandon Lee (who was accidentally shot by Michael Massee while filming The Crow (1994)). Coincidentally, Massee later played villain Ira Gaines in the first season of "24" (2001).
Is the spokesperson for Calorie Mate Japan in character from '24'
Attended St. Andrew's College in Aurora, Ontario.
Has three half-brothers: Roeg Sutherland (b. 1974), Rossif Sutherland (b. 1978) and Angus Sutherland (b. 1982).
At about 5'9", Kiefer is extremely short by the standards of his father's side of the family. For example, his father stands 6' 4" and his half-brothers are all well over 6 feet.
Starred alongside Dennis Hopper in Flashback (1990/I). Hopper later played "Victor Drazen" in the final four episodes of Season One of "24" (2001).
Is a huge fan of the rock band Queen.
Has a 1967 Chevy Chevelle that he has a "personal attachment to"
Broke three fingers in his first rodeo.
He attended seven different schools in ten years.
Has spent 15 hours a day, six days a week, for the last five years on the set of "24" (2001).
His grandfather (former Saskatchewan premier Tommy Douglas) was voted "The Greatest Canadian".
Upon the conclusion of season 5 of "24" (2001), Kiefer has spent more on-screen time as the character "Jack Bauer" than as all of his previous roles combined. He has also received more nominations for the show than his entire film career.
His ex-wife, Camelia Kath, is the widow of Chicago guitarist Terry Kath.
Has a very large collection of vintage guitars (a 1959 Les Paul, a '67 Telecaster, a '68 ES335 and about fifty-five more).
Lived in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles from 2002-2009.
When his character, Jack Bauer, got a new tattoo (part of the plot line) for Season 3 of "24" (2001) instead of having to go though tedious make up for each scene which the tattoo would show, Kiefer had a real tattoo inked onto his arm.
In 2005, he was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in Toronto.
He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television at 7024 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
Considers his father, Donald Sutherland, to be one of the greatest actors of all-time.
While visiting Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2007, he stayed at the world-famous Copacabana Palace Hotel.
Was roommates with Robert Downey Jr. for three years during their early days in Hollywood in the 80s.
Between scenes on the set, Kiefer likes to relax by playing chess.
Source: IMDB.com
Kiefer And His Hobbies...
(Click on photos to enlarge)
Content copyright 2010-2011. www.kiefersutherland24.com. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer
This website has been created for fun and entertainment purposes only. No copyright infringement is intended.
This website is not affiliated with Kiefer Sutherland, FOX, 24 or any other party, entity, organization, etc., mentioned.
We do this for fun just because we love Kiefer Sutherland.