Hollywood star Donald Sutherland dies aged 88

DONALD Sutherland was hailed as one of the silver screen's most significant talents yesterday after he died aged 88 following a long illness.

- Allister Hagger

His son, actor Kiefer, 57, said the star of films including Kelly's Heroes, The Dirty Dozen and M*A*S*H*, had enjoyed "a life well lived".

Sharing a photo of himself as a child with his dad, the 24 star added: "I personally think [he was] one of the most important actors in the history of film. Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly.

He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that."

Ron Howard, who directed Donald in 1991 action thriller Backdraft, called him "one of the most intelligent, interesting and engrossing film actors of all time".