Francine Racette: The Untold Story Of Rossif Sutherland’s Mother And The Matriarch Of A Hollywood Dynasty

As of today, December 10, 2025, the legendary Sutherland family remains a cornerstone of Hollywood, but the spotlight often misses the quiet, powerful figure at the center of one branch: Francine Racette. She is not just an acclaimed French-Canadian actress in her own right, but the devoted mother of actor Rossif Sutherland, and the third wife of the late, iconic Donald Sutherland. Her story is one of a successful career gracefully transitioned into a private life, raising three sons who would follow their parents onto the screen. Francine Racette is the matriarch who consciously raised her children, including Rossif, away from the intense Hollywood glare, choosing a life in France. This decision shaped Rossif’s unique perspective and career trajectory, setting him apart from his famous half-brother, Kiefer Sutherland. The recent passing of Donald Sutherland in 2024 has brought renewed attention to the entire family, highlighting Francine's role as the steadfast partner and mother who maintained a 50-year relationship with one of cinema’s most prolific stars.

Rossif Sutherland: A Complete Biography and Profile

Rossif Sutherland, born Rossif Racette-Sutherland, is a Canadian actor who has carved out a significant career in both television and film, carrying on the family legacy with his own distinct style.

• Full Name: Rossif Racette-Sutherland
• Date of Birth: September 25, 1978
• Age (as of 2025): 47 years old
• Place of Birth: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Upbringing: Raised in France with his mother, Francine Racette, which contributed to his bilingual fluency and dual citizenship.
• Parents: Donald Sutherland (Father, deceased 2024), Francine Racette (Mother)
• Siblings: Angus Sutherland (Brother), Roeg Sutherland (Brother), Kiefer Sutherland (Half-Brother), Rachel Sutherland (Half-Sister)
• Spouse: Celina Sinden (Married 2016)
• Children: One son (Name not publicly disclosed)
• Notable Work: *Reign* (as Nostradamus), *The Expanse* (as Admiral Nevil), *High Life*, *River*
• Current Project: Upcoming series *Murder in a Small Town*, which he has dedicated to the memory of his late father.
• Education: Attended Princeton University, initially studying philosophy before shifting focus to acting.

Rossif's early life was intentionally shielded from the intense media scrutiny his father and half-brother, Kiefer Sutherland, experienced. Being raised in France by his mother, Francine, provided him with a grounded environment far from the pressures of the Hollywood machine. This unique background is often credited for his nuanced and thoughtful approach to acting.

Francine Racette: The Acclaimed Actress Who Became a Matriarch

Francine Racette’s career is impressive, yet often overshadowed by her marriage to Donald Sutherland. Born on September 23, 1947, she established herself as a respected French-Canadian actress long before becoming a Sutherland. Her professional life is marked by critically acclaimed roles in European cinema. One of her most significant early roles was in the 1977 film *Blackout*. However, her most pivotal work was the 1972 film *Alien Thunder*, where she first met Donald Sutherland. Their connection was immediate and profound, leading to a half-century partnership that lasted until his death. Francine's filmography includes roles in films like *The Old Maid* (1972), *Lumière* (1976), and *The Disappearance of Garcí Llorca* (1982). Her performances were often subtle and powerful, earning her respect within the industry. After marrying Donald Sutherland in 1972, she made a conscious choice to step back from her acting career to focus on raising their three sons: Roeg, Rossif, and Angus. This decision highlights a profound commitment to her family life over the pursuit of further Hollywood fame, a testament to her priorities. The choice to raise the boys primarily in France was a deliberate effort to give them a normal upbringing, away from the constant attention that followed Donald and Kiefer. This environment allowed Rossif, in particular, to develop a strong sense of self outside of the family's immense legacy. He grew up bilingual, fluent in both English and French, a skill that has benefited his international acting career.

The Sutherland Brothers: Rossif, Angus, and Roeg

Francine Racette is the mother to three of Donald Sutherland’s five children, all of whom share the distinct "Sutherland" name but have followed different paths in the industry. The three brothers—Roeg, Rossif, and Angus—were all named after directors Donald Sutherland worked with, a nod to their father’s love for cinema. Roeg Sutherland, the eldest of Francine's sons, is named after director Nicolas Roeg (*Don't Look Now*). Roeg has pursued a successful career not as an actor, but as a prominent executive in the film industry, specializing in international film financing and distribution. His work is primarily behind the scenes, yet he remains a powerful force in global cinema. Rossif Sutherland, named after director Frédéric Rossif, is the most visible actor of the three brothers, with major roles in television series like *Reign* and *The Expanse*. His recent dedication of his new series *Murder in a Small Town* to his late father shows the deep family bond and respect for the Sutherland legacy. Angus Sutherland, the youngest, is also an actor, known for his roles in films such as *Familiar Strangers* and *Lost Boys: The Tribe*. Like his brother Rossif, Angus has maintained a lower profile compared to his half-brother Kiefer, but he continues to work steadily in the film and television world. The bond between the half-brothers, Kiefer Sutherland and Rossif Sutherland, is strong despite their different mothers (Kiefer's mother is Shirley Douglas) and upbringings. Rossif has often spoken about the influence of both his father and Kiefer on his decision to pursue acting, even though he initially resisted the family business.

A Legacy of Privacy and Dedication

Francine Racette’s enduring relationship with Donald Sutherland is a rare Hollywood success story, spanning over five decades. Their partnership was built on mutual respect and a shared desire for a private family life, a stark contrast to the often-turbulent relationships of other celebrities. This dedication to privacy is a defining characteristic of the family unit she helped create. The recent news of Donald Sutherland's passing has highlighted the strength of this family unit. Francine Racette and her sons were by his side, a final testament to the deep, unwavering commitment she made to her family. Her decision to step away from the limelight allowed her to be the consistent, grounding force for her three sons, enabling them to navigate their own careers with a solid foundation. Francine Racette’s story is a compelling narrative of a talented actress who chose to prioritize her role as a mother and partner. She is the quiet, elegant force who raised a generation of Sutherlands, ensuring that the family’s legacy in cinema is carried forward not just with talent, but with integrity and a strong sense of family identity. The topical authority of the Sutherland name is undeniable, and Francine Racette remains the unsung hero who nurtured the careers of Rossif, Angus, and Roeg.