Early Life and Education of Donald Sutherland: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 16, 2025

An overview of the childhood and early education of Donald Sutherland, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Donald Sutherland was a highly acclaimed Canadian actor whose career spanned six decades. He won an Emmy and two Golden Globes and was nominated for a BAFTA. Despite never receiving an Academy Award nomination for a specific role, he was awarded an Honorary Academy Award in 2017. Beyond acting, Sutherland was a vocal anti-war activist, particularly during the Vietnam War.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1959: Marriage to Lois May Hardwick

In 1959, Donald Sutherland married Lois May Hardwick, a head school teacher.

1966: Marriage to Shirley Douglas

In 1966, Donald Sutherland married Shirley Douglas, daughter of Tommy Douglas.

1970: Affair with Jane Fonda, marriage ends

In 1970, Donald Sutherland's marriage to Shirley Douglas ended and he began an affair with Jane Fonda.

1971: NSA Watchlist

From 1971, Donald Sutherland was placed on the National Security Agency watchlist due to his anti-war activities. He also began the Free Theatre Associates tour with Jane Fonda.

1971: FTA Show Anti-War Tour

In 1971, Donald Sutherland worked with Jane Fonda on the FTA Show, an anti-Vietnam war tour that performed for active-duty soldiers. Fonda noted that Sutherland was a brilliant actor and complex man who shared quite a few adventures with her.

1972: Affair with Jane Fonda

In 1972, Donald Sutherland was having an affair with Jane Fonda, with whom he participated in anti-Vietnam war activism.

1973: NSA Watchlist

In 1973, Donald Sutherland was on the National Security Agency watchlist because of his anti-war activities.

1977: Residence in Georgeville

Since 1977, Donald Sutherland maintained a residence in Georgeville, Quebec, which he considered his "emotional home."

2008: Huffington Post Blogger

In 2008, Donald Sutherland became a blogger for The Huffington Post during the United States presidential election campaign, expressing his support for Barack Obama.

March 2012: Declined Roles in Deliverance and Straw Dogs

In March 2012, Donald Sutherland mentioned on the Opie and Anthony radio show that he had been offered lead roles in Deliverance and Straw Dogs but declined them due to their violent content.

2015: Voting Rights Complaint

In 2015, Donald Sutherland complained that he was not allowed to vote because he was an expatriate for over five years, despite being proud to be Canadian and an officer in the Order of Canada.