From Hell-Raising Heroes to a Balanced Life: Kiefer Sutherland’s Journey Through Hollywood

Summary

– Kiefer Sutherland was inspired by actors known for their self-destructive behavior.

– Despite his own tumultuous past, Sutherland found a way to balance his personal life and career.

– He admires both wild legends like Richard Burton and stable stars like Tom Hanks.

Kiefer Sutherland’s journey through Hollywood has been shaped by various influences, particularly those from actors known as much for their off-screen antics as their on-screen talent. Sutherland’s attraction to acting wasn’t fueled by his father, Donald Sutherland’s career, but rather by the infamous lifestyles of actors like Richard Burton, Peter O’Toole, and Richard Harris.

Known for their wild drinking and chaotic personal lives, these men became Sutherland’s heroes, and their self-destructive tendencies became a source of fascination. Reflecting on their influence, Sutherland shared, “They were just great, I loved their stories, I loved all of that about them.” His admiration for these “hell-raisers” seemed to mirror his struggles, as Sutherland faced a string of DUIs and brushes with the law throughout his career.

However, Sutherland’s path diverged from his heroes in recent years. While his early years were marred by turbulence, the actor has spent the last 15 years moving away from self-destruction, finding balance in his life. He acknowledged this shift, noting that acting doesn’t always require chaos and citing moral figures like Jimmy Stewart and Tom Hanks as inspirations.

Sutherland’s evolution proves that while many actors are drawn to the allure of Hollywood’s darker side, it is possible to forge a successful career without succumbing to the same destructive tendencies. By embracing a more measured approach, Sutherland has ensured his longevity in the industry and demonstrated that talent and dedication can coexist with stability.