Donald Sutherland dies at 88: He claimed to coming close to death in 1970 filming ‘Kelly’s Heroes’

Donald Sutherland has passed away at the age of 88 after a long illness. The actor’s career began in the early 1960s, and he quickly became known for his versatility and talent. He portrayed a wide range of characters, from the charming and quirky “Hawkeye” Pierce in “MAS*H” to the chilling President Snow in “The Hunger Games.” His ability to adapt to various roles and genres made him a beloved figure in Hollywood.

Near-Death Experience on the Set of ‘Kelly’s Heroes’

One of the most harrowing moments of Sutherland’s life occurred during the filming of the 1970 war comedy “Kelly’s Heroes.” While shooting in Yugoslavia, Sutherland contracted spinal meningitis, a severe and potentially fatal condition. The illness struck him so hard that he fell into a coma for six weeks and even experienced a brief period of clinical death.

In an interview years later, Sutherland recounted the terrifying experience. “I got sick in the middle of shooting ‘Kelly’s Heroes’. I came to Yugoslavia for a day’s filming and I was out for six weeks,” he said. “They took me to hospital - I had spinal meningitis. They didn’t have the antibiotics, so I went into a coma, and they tell me that for a few seconds, I died. I saw saw the blue tunnel, and I started going down it. I saw the white light. I dug my feet in.”

Legacy and Impact

Donald Sutherland’s passing marks the end of an era for a beloved actor who brought depth and authenticity to his roles. His work not only entertained but also inspired countless actors and filmmakers. Sutherland received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including an Honorary Oscar in 2017 for his contributions to the film industry.