Kiefer Sutherland, a distinguished Canadian actor, director, and producer, has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. With a net worth of $100 million and a per-episode salary of $250,000, Sutherland continues to be a prominent figure in Hollywood. Born on December 21, 1966, in Paddington, London, Kiefer Sutherland has built a versatile career that spans several decades.
Early Life and Background
Kiefer William Frederick Dempsey George Rufus Sutherland, born to successful Canadian actors Shirley Douglas and Donald Sutherland, grew up in a family deeply rooted in the performing arts. He has a twin sister, Rachel, who works as a post-production film supervisor, and four half-brothers. The Sutherland family moved to Corona, California, in 1968, but after his parents’ divorce, Kiefer and Rachel relocated to Toronto, Canada, with their mother in 1975.
From a young age, Sutherland showed an interest in acting, taking lessons at Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School. At 11, he made his stage debut in an Odyssey Theatre production. He later moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career, sharing a residence with future star Robert Downey Jr. for three years.
Rise to Fame in Film
Kiefer Sutherland’s film career took off in the mid-1980s. His first notable role was in “Max Dugan Returns” (1983), where he acted alongside his father. He gained critical acclaim for his performance in “The Bay Boy” (1985), which earned him a Genie Award nomination. Sutherland’s breakthrough in the U.S. came with the 1986 film “Stand By Me,” followed by his iconic role as a vampire in “The Lost Boys” (1987).
Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Sutherland starred in several hit films, including “Young Guns” (1988) and its sequel, “Young Guns II” (1990), “Flatliners” (1990), and “A Few Good Men” (1992). Although the 1990s saw a mix of successes and less memorable projects, Sutherland’s talent remained evident.
Dominating Television with “24”
The turning point in Sutherland’s career came in 2001 when he was cast as Jack Bauer in the groundbreaking TV series “24.” The show, which ran until 2010, became a cultural phenomenon, earning Kiefer numerous accolades, including an Emmy, a Golden Globe, two SAG Awards, and multiple other honors. His portrayal of the counter-terrorist agent solidified his status as a leading actor in television.
The series saw a revival with the TV movie “24: Redemption” (2008) and the limited series “24: Live Another Day” (2014). Sutherland’s performance as Jack Bauer remains one of the most iconic in TV history.
Continued Success and Diverse Roles
After “24,” Sutherland continued to explore diverse roles in both film and television. He starred in the Fox series “Touch” (2012-2013) and later took on the lead role in ABC’s political drama “Designated Survivor” (2016-2019). In “Designated Survivor,” Sutherland played Tom Kirkman, a low-level cabinet member who unexpectedly becomes President of the United States following a catastrophic attack.
Sutherland’s versatility extends beyond acting. He directed the films “Last Night” (1993) and “Truth or Consequences, N.M.” (1997), and ventured into music, releasing two albums: “Down in a Hole” (2016) and “Reckless & Me” (2019). Additionally, he performed on Broadway in “That Championship Season” (2011).
Personal Life and Real Estate Ventures
Kiefer Sutherland’s personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. He married Camelia Kath in 1987, with whom he has a daughter, Sarah, who is also an actress. Sutherland’s engagement to Julia Roberts in 1991 ended abruptly, and his second marriage to Kelly Winn lasted from 1996 until their divorce in 2008. He has been in a relationship with actress Cindy Vela since 2014, and they got engaged in 2017.
Sutherland has faced legal issues, including multiple DUI charges and a head-butting incident in 2009. Despite these challenges, he has maintained a successful career and continues to be a respected figure in the industry.
Real Estate Investments
Sutherland has made several notable real estate transactions. In 2000, he sold a ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley for $3.6 million. In 2002, he purchased a converted foundry in Silver Lake, turning it into a recording studio before selling it for $3 million in 2009. His investments also include a New York City townhouse, bought for $8.2 million in 2008 and sold for $17.5 million in 2012. In 2018, he listed a home in LA’s Atwater Village for $1.8 million and sold a property in Toluca Lake to Macauley Culkin and Brenda Song for $8 million in 2022. That same year, he acquired a 73-acre property in New York’s Hudson Valley for $5 million.
Conclusion
Kiefer Sutherland’s journey from a promising young actor to a seasoned Hollywood veteran is marked by his versatility, resilience, and dedication to his craft. With a substantial net worth and a legacy of memorable performances, Sutherland continues to captivate audiences worldwide. As he approaches his 58th birthday, Kiefer Sutherland remains a formidable presence in the entertainment industry, demonstrating that true talent endures through the ages.
