Kiefer Sutherland pens heartwarming tribute to father Donald after his death at age 88: 'He loved what he did'

Kiefer Sutherland has led touching tributes to his late father Donald following the Hollywood legend's death. 

The '24' star said his father Donald, 88, 'loved what he did and did what he loved', as he announced his passing in Miami on Thursday. 

'With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film,' Kiefer said on social media. 

'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. A life well lived.'  

Kiefer - who went on to emulate his father with starring roles in flicks such as Flatliners and Designated Survivor - shared a heartwarming image of himself as a young boy alongside his father during his heyday. 

After Kiefer led tributes in announcing his father's passing, a number of big names honored his timeless career. 

Broadcaster Piers Morgan said Sutherland was 'one of my all-time favorite actors who played so many great roles. What a sad loss.' 

Donald Tusk, the President of Poland, joked in his tribute that Sutherland was 'the best of all Donalds.'  

Director Ron Howard, who worked with Sutherland on the film Backdraft, said he was 'blessed' to have directed the icon. 

'One of the most intelligent, interesting & engrossing film actors of all time. Incredible range, creative courage & dedication to serving the story & the audience with supreme excellence,' he said. 

Donald's career in Hollywood spanned decades, from early hits including 1970s horror movie Don't Look Now to a recent starring role in The Hunger Games. 

He won a number of awards for his eclectic array of movie and TV roles, including a supporting actor Emmy for Citizen X in 1995. 

Sutherland also picked up nine separate Golden Globe nominations for hits including M*A*S*H and Ordinary people, winning two. 

His most recent appearance came last year as Judge Parker in Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and he was set to star in upcoming apocalyptic flick Heart Land, which is in pre-production. 

As tributes continue to pour in, British filmmaker Edgar Wright, known for hits including Shaun of the Dead and Baby Driver, praised Sutherland as a 'fascinating screen presence.' 

'A funny, laconic, but also intense and dramatic presence in so many memorable movies,' he said on X.  'So sorry to see you go Donald, but what a legacy you leave behind.' 

Another Hollywood insider to work with Sutherland, Horrible Bosses writer Jonathan Goldstein, paid his respects as he recalled how he was 'pleasantly surprised' when he was able to convince Sutherland to star in the hit film. 

'Then even more surprised to meet him and discover what a mensch he was,' Goldstein said. 

House of the Dragon star James Dreyfus added that Sutherland was a 'staple in my life through incredible performances.' 

'Quirky, versatile, always honest & brilliant. Wonderful.'