Who Is Donald Sutherland Wife: Explore All About Francine Racette

Donald Sutherland, the iconic star of “The Hunger Games,” died in Miami on June 20, 2024. He was 88. His rep confirmed to PEOPLE that he died after a long illness. Sutherland is survived by his wife, Francine Racette, and their five children: Kiefer, Rachel, Roeg, Rossif and Angus.

Sutherland and Racette were married for more than 50 years. They met while working on the 1974 Western “Alien Thunder.” They married in 1972. Sutherland was married twice before. He welcomed his two children, Kiefer and Rachel, with his ex-wife Shirley Douglas.

What is Francine Racette’s background?

Francine Racette was born in Quebec, Canada. She grew up in Canada, where French was her first language. After graduating from the National Theatre School of Canada in 1966, she acted primarily in French-language films. Racette is an accomplished actress just like her late husband.

Racette has appeared in numerous films, including “Au Revoir Les Enfants”, “Lumiere” and “The Disappearance”. In 1977, she was nominated for a Cesar Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Lumiere”. Sutherland often praised her, saying that she was welcomed by intellectuals and that she was an inspiration to directors such as Frederic Rossif.

How did they meet and get married?

Donald Sutherland separated from his second wife Shirley Douglas in 1970. From then until 1972, he had a relationship with actress Jane Fonda. He met Francine Racette on the set of “Alien Thunder.” They married in 1972 and started their family soon after.

Before marrying Racette, Sutherland was already the father of twins Kiefer and Rachel, born to Shirley Douglas in 1966. Sutherland and Racette welcomed their first son, Rog, on February 5, 1974. They then had two more sons, Rossif on September 25, 1978, and Angus on September 3, 1982. They named their children after directors they admired.

How is his family?

All of Donald Sutherland’s children worked in film and television. Kiefer and Rossif followed in their father’s footsteps as actors. Rachel became a production manager. Rog works in the media finance department of the Creative Artists Agency. Angus also works behind the camera.

Sutherland expressed her love for filmmakers, which influenced her children’s names. She said in 2019 that filmmakers are an important part of her life. Sutherland and Racette’s children have continued her legacy in the entertainment industry.

where did they live?

Although Sutherland’s job took him around the world, he always preferred to be with his wife. He told GQ in November 2014 that when people asked where he lived, he would say, “I live with my wife.” Whether it was Paris, New York, or Miami, home was wherever Racette was.

Sutherland considered his wife to be his main inspiration and guide. He emphasized that his inspiration and decisions came from his wife. Her honesty and humility were very important to him, making her approval of his decisions very important.

How did racetrack affect Sutherland’s career?

Francine Racette advised Donald Sutherland at times throughout his career. In 1999, he told the Los Angeles Times that he had not taken her advice on adapting a play early in his career. He learned from his mistake and later valued her opinion.

A few years before “Enigma Variations”, Racette had suggested him to play the lead role and acquire the English translation rights. He agreed, trusting Racette’s judgment. This decision marked a change in his approach to his career, showing that Racette had a significant influence on him.

What was Sutherland’s reaction to the Honorary Academy Award he received?

When Sutherland learned in 2018 that he would receive an Honorary Academy Award, he was in Rome with Racette. He was eating spaghetti when he got the call. At first he did not recognize the phone number and suddenly picked up the phone. He was shocked when he realized it was the Academy President calling.

On the Oscars red carpet, Sutherland recalled her reaction. They sat in silence before Racette turned to him and said, “We have to lose weight.” The humorous moment highlighted their close bond and shared experiences throughout their marriage.

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