The Five Legacies: What Donald Sutherland’s Children Are Doing Now

The world mourned the loss of legendary actor Donald Sutherland in June 2024, but his artistic and professional legacy lives on vibrantly through his five children. The towering figure of cinema, known for iconic roles in *MASH*, *The Hunger Games*, and *Klute*, left behind a family deeply entrenched in the entertainment industry, each forging a distinct and successful path in front of and behind the camera. This article, updated in December 2025, offers a definitive look at the lives and careers of the next generation of Sutherlands, detailing how they are carrying forward their father's extraordinary creative spirit.

The Sutherland family represents one of Hollywood's most enduring acting dynasties, yet not all of Donald's children chose the spotlight. From a globally recognized television star to a powerful media finance executive and a successful television producer, the careers of Kiefer, Rachel, Roeg, Rossif, and Angus Sutherland reveal a fascinating tapestry of talent, ambition, and a commitment to storytelling that defines their famous lineage. Their collective work ensures the Sutherland name remains a powerful force in film and television.

The Complete Donald Sutherland Family Profile and Biography

Donald Sutherland was a towering presence in film for over six decades, but his personal life was centered around his three marriages and his five children. His family structure is a testament to the blended nature of a long and prolific life.

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• First Wife: Lois Hardwick (m. 1959; div. 1966)
• Second Wife: Shirley Douglas (m. 1966; div. 1970) – A prominent Canadian actress and activist, and mother to his twins.
• Third Wife: Francine Racette (m. 1972) – A French-Canadian actress and his wife for over 50 years until his passing. She is the mother of his three youngest sons.

The Five Children of Donald Sutherland

Donald Sutherland had five children, four sons and one daughter, across his second and third marriages. Each child was named with a nod to a director their father worked with, a unique tribute to his professional life.

• Kiefer Sutherland: (Born December 21, 1966) – Twin son with Shirley Douglas. Named after director Warren Kiefer.
• Rachel Sutherland: (Born December 21, 1966) – Twin daughter with Shirley Douglas.
• Roeg Sutherland: (Born 1974) – Son with Francine Racette. Named after director Nicolas Roeg.
• Rossif Sutherland: (Born September 25, 1978) – Son with Francine Racette. Named after director Frédéric Rossif.
• Angus Sutherland: (Born September 3, 1982) – Son with Francine Racette. Named after director Paul W. S. Anderson (whose middle name is Angus, though some sources cite director Robert Redford).

Kiefer Sutherland and the Twin Sister Who Works Behind the Scenes

The most recognizable of Donald Sutherland’s children is undoubtedly Kiefer Sutherland, who has carved out a monumental career that rivals his father's in scope and cultural impact. Kiefer, known globally for his role as Jack Bauer in the seminal series *24*, has successfully transitioned from film star to television icon and back again, establishing himself as a formidable actor in his own right. His work on shows like *Designated Survivor* and his recent musical ventures showcase a versatile talent that spans multiple media.

Kiefer’s twin sister, Rachel Sutherland, has chosen a path away from the on-screen spotlight, yet she is a powerful force in the Canadian television industry. Rachel is a highly respected production manager and producer. Her work involves the complex logistics of bringing television shows to life, a crucial, high-pressure role that keeps the entire production engine running smoothly. Her credits include notable Canadian series such as *Nurses* and *Mary Kills People*, demonstrating her deep commitment to the craft of television production. While Kiefer became a household name on screen, Rachel built a successful, vital career behind it, proving that the Sutherland talent for the business of entertainment is a twin trait.

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The Three Younger Sons: From Hollywood Power Broker to Rising TV Star

Donald Sutherland’s three youngest sons with his wife Francine Racette have each pursued careers that highlight the diverse avenues of the modern entertainment landscape. Their individual successes illustrate the depth of the family's influence, extending from acting to high-level media finance.

Roeg Sutherland: The Media Finance Mogul

Unlike his acting brothers, Roeg Sutherland found his calling as a powerful executive and dealmaker. Roeg is the Co-Head of the Media Finance department and Co-Head of the International Film Group at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), one of the most influential talent and sports agencies in the world. In this role, he is a crucial figure in financing and packaging independent films globally, essentially determining which major projects get made and distributed. This high-stakes, behind-the-scenes work makes him a true power broker in Hollywood. His expertise has been recognized with prestigious awards, such as the Zurich Film Festival's Game Changer Award, solidifying his status as a key industry leader.

Rossif Sutherland: The Next Generation Leading Man

Rossif Sutherland is the youngest of the Sutherland actors and is quickly establishing himself as a leading man in his own right. He has built a strong resume in both film and television, often starring in Canadian and international productions. Rossif is recognized for his compelling performances in films like *Poor Boy’s Game* and the series *Reign* and *The Handmaid's Tale*.

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In a major career development that keeps the Sutherland legacy fresh and current, Rossif is set to lead the new Fox crime drama, *Murder in a Small Town*, which is slated for the fall 2024 television season. This high-profile role places him squarely in the spotlight as the next Sutherland to anchor a major network series, following directly in the footsteps of his father and older brother, Kiefer. His recent work highlights a family tradition of excellence in episodic television.

Angus Sutherland: Actor and Producer

The youngest son, Angus Sutherland, is a Canadian-American actor and producer who has also dipped his toes into the family business. While his early career included acting roles in films such as *Lost Boys: The Tribe*, he has increasingly focused his energy on the production side of the industry. This dual-threat capability as both a creative talent and a producer gives him a comprehensive understanding of the film and television ecosystem, much like his sister Rachel. Angus’s dedication to producing further diversifies the Sutherland family's professional footprint across all facets of filmmaking, from performance to finance and creation.

The Enduring Legacy of the Sutherland Dynasty

The passing of Donald Sutherland in 2024 served as a poignant reminder of his immense contribution to the arts, but the continuous, high-level work of his children ensures the Sutherland name remains synonymous with cinematic excellence for decades to come. The family’s collective work spans every major discipline in the industry: on-screen acting (Kiefer, Rossif, Angus), executive power (Roeg), and essential production management (Rachel, Angus).

This multi-generational success is not merely a product of nepotism, but a clear demonstration of inherited talent, a strong work ethic, and a deep, intrinsic connection to the art of storytelling. Each child has taken the foundation provided by their iconic parents, Donald Sutherland and Shirley Douglas, and built a unique, successful career that contributes meaningfully to the global entertainment landscape. The Sutherland dynasty is a rare example of a Hollywood family where every member has achieved significant, verifiable success in their chosen field, confirming that the patriarch’s legacy is in exceptionally capable hands.

From the high-stakes world of media finance to the demanding schedule of a network television lead, the five children of Donald Sutherland are a testament to a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue to shape film and television for the foreseeable future. Their collective careers represent a powerful, enduring force in the industry.