Legendary actor Donald Sutherland, Olympic flagbearer in 2010, dies at 88
Canadian actor Donald Sutherland has died at the age of 88, his son, the actor Kiefer Sutherland, confirmed on Thursday (20 June).
While known for his many roles in Hollywood films, Sutherland’s versatility was perhaps best captured at the Olympic Winter Games Vancouver 2010.
Ahead of the Games, Sutherland lent his voice to commercials for Canadian broadcaster CTV. He urged Canadians to believe in the athletes and what they could achieve, declaring, "it’s time; to believe."
During the Games, he played an active role in the Opening Ceremony and attended various competitions.
He was one of eight exceptional Canadians chosen to carry the Olympic flag into the opening ceremony at BC Place Stadium.
The Canadian crowd greeted him - fittingly - with a huge roar of approval.
Sutherland also participated in the artistic segment of the Opening Ceremony, contributing his iconic voice to the role of narrator, as he explored what it meant to be Canadian.
His enthusiasm and love of acting was remembered by his son on Thursday.
"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,” said Kiefer Sutherland on X.
"A life well lived."