Kiefer Sutherland #68

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Kiefer Sutherland was born into a prominent acting family—his parents are Canadian actors Donald Sutherland and Shirley Douglas. He moved to Los Angeles with his mother after his parents' divorce and later settled in Toronto, Canada. Sutherland developed an interest in acting at a young age and made his film debut in the 1983 movie "Max Dugan Returns." His breakthrough role came in 1986 with "Stand by Me," a coming-of-age film directed by Rob Reiner, in which he played the menacing character Ace Merrill.

Rise to Fame in the 1980s and 1990s

Sutherland quickly became one of the most prominent young actors of the 1980s, starring in a series of successful films:

• "The Lost Boys" (1987): Sutherland played the role of David, the leader of a gang of vampires, in this cult classic film. His performance helped solidify his status as a teen idol.

• "Young Guns" (1988) and "Young Guns II" (1990): These Westerns featured Sutherland as one of the members of Billy the Kid’s gang, and they were popular with audiences.

• "Flatliners" (1990): Sutherland starred alongside Julia Roberts and Kevin Bacon in this psychological thriller about medical students experimenting with near-death experiences.

Throughout the 1990s, Sutherland continued to appear in a variety of films, including "A Few Good Men" (1992), "The Three Musketeers" (1993), and "Dark City" (1998). However, it was his role on television that would bring him his greatest fame.

"24" and Career Resurgence

Kiefer Sutherland's career reached new heights with the launch of the TV series "24" in 2001. Sutherland played Jack Bauer, a counter-terrorism agent who navigates various threats to national security. The show was innovative for its real-time format, with each 24-episode season representing a single day in Bauer’s life. Sutherland's intense and gripping portrayal of Bauer earned him widespread acclaim, including an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, and several Screen Actors Guild Awards.

"24" ran for eight seasons, from 2001 to 2010, and Sutherland reprised his role in the limited series "24: Live Another Day" in 2014. The show became a cultural phenomenon and solidified Sutherland's place as one of television's top leading men.

Legal Issues and Arrests

Throughout his career, Kiefer Sutherland has faced several legal issues, particularly related to alcohol:

• 1989 DUI Arrest: Sutherland was first arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in 1989. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a fine and probation.

• 1993 Assault Charge: In 1993, Sutherland was involved in an altercation at a hotel in Los Angeles and was charged with assault. He reportedly attacked a man who he believed was making inappropriate advances towards a woman. The charges were later dropped after Sutherland agreed to participate in counseling.

• 2004 DUI Arrest: Sutherland was arrested again for DUI in 2004 in Los Angeles. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to attend an alcohol education program.

• 2007 DUI Arrest and Jail Sentence: In September 2007, Sutherland was arrested for DUI once more after being pulled over in West Hollywood for making an illegal U-turn. This was his second DUI offense in three years, and he was sentenced to 48 days in jail, which he served in December 2007 and January 2008. Sutherland expressed regret for his actions and took responsibility for his behavior.

• 2009 Assault Incident: In 2009, Sutherland was involved in an altercation in New York City, where he headbutted a fashion designer during an argument. The incident was widely reported in the media, but charges were not filed after the parties reached a settlement.

Later Career and Other Ventures

Following the success of "24," Sutherland continued to work in television and film. He starred in the supernatural drama series "Touch" (2012-2013) and later took on the role of President Tom Kirkman in the political drama "Designated Survivor" (2016-2019). His performance in "Designated Survivor" was well-received, further establishing his reputation as a versatile actor.

In addition to acting, Sutherland has pursued a career in music. He released his debut album "Down in a Hole" in 2016, showcasing his talents as a singer-songwriter with a country-rock sound. He has since released additional albums and toured extensively.

Legacy

Kiefer Sutherland is widely regarded as one of the most talented and enduring actors of his generation. Despite his legal troubles and personal challenges, Sutherland has consistently delivered powerful performances across a range of genres, from drama and action to thriller and comedy.

His role as Jack Bauer in "24" remains one of the most iconic characters in television history, and his contributions to both film and television have earned him a place among Hollywood's most respected actors. Sutherland's ability to reinvent himself and take on diverse roles has ensured his lasting impact on the entertainment industry.