Kiefer Sutherland – Biography, Net Worth, and Music Career

Kiefer Sutherland is a British-Canadian actor, musician, producer, and director known for his intense performances across film and television. He rose to global fame as counter-terrorism agent Jack Bauer in the series 24, a role that earned him an Emmy and a Golden Globe. He also starred as President Tom Kirkman in Designated Survivor and has built a side career in country and Americana music.

Born on 21 December 1966 in London, England, Sutherland comes from a prominent acting family. His father is the late Donald Sutherland, and his mother is actress Shirley Douglas. He moved to North America as a child and began acting in the early 1980s, eventually becoming one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood thrillers and dramas.

Over four decades, Sutherland has worked steadily in movies, TV, and music. His roles range from teen villains in the 1980s to a U.S. president in the 2010s. Despite the scale of his fame, he has kept a relatively low personal profile, with only one known child and a private relationship history.

What is Kiefer Sutherland’s net worth?

Key insights at a glance

• Net worth is estimated at roughly $40 million as of 2025, but this figure is not independently verified.
• His signature role remains Jack Bauer in 24, which won him an Emmy and a Golden Globe.
• He is the son of Oscar-nominated actor Donald Sutherland.
• He has released three country-influenced albums since 2016.
• He has one known daughter, actress Sarah Sutherland, from his marriage to Camelia Kath.
• A possible new 24 project has been discussed but not officially confirmed.

Kiefer Sutherland fact table

What are the best Kiefer Sutherland movies and TV shows?

Kiefer Sutherland’s film career began in the early 1980s. His first major role came in 1986 with Stand By Me, where he played Ace Merrill, a small-town bully. That performance opened the door to a string of high-profile films throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Breakthrough films in the 1980s and 1990s

During this period, Sutherland appeared in several cult classics and mainstream hits. His roles in The Lost Boys, Young Guns, Flatliners, A Few Good Men, and The Three Musketeers helped establish him as a versatile actor capable of playing villains, leaders, and supporting characters.

His early career also included a notable debut in Max Dugan Returns (1983), where he appeared alongside his father, Donald Sutherland. That moment marked the beginning of a long and varied professional path.

Television fame: 24 and beyond

In 2001, Sutherland began playing Jack Bauer in 24, a real-time thriller series that redefined the action genre on television. The role earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. He reprised the character in a 2008 TV movie, 24: Redemption, and a miniseries event in 2014.

After 24, Sutherland continued in television with the series Touch and later as President Tom Kirkman in Designated Survivor. In 2023, he starred in Rabbit Hole, a spy thriller that further confirmed his staying power on screen.

Other notable works

Beyond his most famous roles, Sutherland has appeared in a wide range of productions. His filmography includes dramas, thrillers, and action films. He also has soundtrack credits, showing his broader involvement in entertainment projects.

His work spans multiple decades, with credits in both major studio releases and independent productions. His ability to shift between film and television has kept him relevant across changing industry trends.

Who is Kiefer Sutherland’s father?

Kiefer Sutherland’s father was Donald Sutherland, a celebrated Canadian actor known for films like M*A*S*H, Klute, and The Hunger Games series. Donald Sutherland had a career that spanned more than six decades and earned widespread recognition, including an honorary Academy Award.

Donald Sutherland was born in Canada and became one of the most respected actors of his generation. He passed away in 2024. His influence on Kiefer’s career is widely acknowledged, with Kiefer often citing his father as a major inspiration.

A family of actors

Kiefer’s mother, Shirley Douglas, was also an actress and activist. She was the daughter of Tommy Douglas, a prominent Canadian politician. The family connection to the arts runs deep, with Kiefer’s half-brother Rossif Sutherland also pursuing an acting career.

Kiefer has a twin sister named Rachel, though she has remained largely out of the public eye. The Sutherland family legacy continues through Kiefer’s daughter, Sarah Sutherland, who is also an actress.

Is Kiefer Sutherland still acting?

Yes, Kiefer Sutherland remains active as of 2025. His most recent television role was in Rabbit Hole, a Paramount+ series that premiered in 2023. The series placed him once again in a leading role, this time as a private intelligence operative framed for murder.

His continued presence in both acting and music suggests no immediate plans to retire. He has spoken in interviews about his passion for performing, whether on screen or on stage.

Music career

In addition to acting, Sutherland has pursued music seriously. He released his debut album, Down in a Hole, in 2016, followed by Reckless & Me in 2019 and Bloor Street in 2022. His music falls into the country and Americana genres.

According to his official biography on KieferSutherland.com, he has experienced international chart success and toured live. His music career reflects a long-standing personal interest rather than a side project.

What is Kiefer Sutherland doing now?

As of 2025, Sutherland continues to balance acting and music. There has been no official confirmation of a new 24 revival, though the idea has been discussed in interviews and media reports. He also remains connected to his established roles, with Designated Survivor having ended after three seasons.

Sutherland’s current projects are not fully documented in the provided material. This means his most recent work beyond Rabbit Hole and his 2022 album is not confirmed.

What is Kiefer Sutherland’s career timeline?

1. 1983 – Early film debut in Max Dugan Returns, appearing with his father, Donald Sutherland.
2. 1986 – Breakthrough role as Ace Merrill in Stand By Me.
3. 1987 – Appears in The Lost Boys, a cult vampire classic.
4. 1988 – Stars in Young Guns as Doc Scurlock.
5. 1990 – Plays a medical student in Flatliners.
6. 1992 – Appears in A Few Good Men alongside Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson.
7. 2001 – Begins playing Jack Bauer in 24, the role that defines his career.
8. 2012 – Stars in the TV series Touch.
9. 2016 – Begins as President Tom Kirkman in Designated Survivor.
10. 2016 – Releases debut album Down in a Hole.

What is confirmed and what remains unclear about Kiefer Sutherland?

Much of Kiefer Sutherland’s public biography is well documented, but some claims remain based on estimates or unofficial sources. The distinction matters for those seeking accurate information about his life and career.

Established information

• He was born on 21 December 1966 in London, England.
• He is the son of actors Donald Sutherland and Shirley Douglas.
• He played Jack Bauer in 24, winning an Emmy and a Golden Globe.
• He has one daughter, Sarah Sutherland, an actress.
• He has released three studio albums since 2016.
• He starred in Designated Survivor and Rabbit Hole.

Information that remains unclear

• His net worth is commonly cited as $40 million, but this figure is not independently verified.
• He was married to Camelia Kath from 1987 to 1990, but his marital status since then is not publicly confirmed.
• Plans for a new 24 season or movie have been discussed but not officially confirmed.
• The exact salary he received per episode of 24 (reported as $400,000 in later seasons) has never been officially disclosed.

Why is Kiefer Sutherland considered a significant figure in entertainment?

Kiefer Sutherland’s significance stems from the cultural impact of his role in 24. The series not only won awards but also changed how action thrillers were structured on television. Its real-time format was a creative innovation that influenced later series.

His work in film during the 1980s and 1990s also contributed to his lasting visibility. Movies like The Lost Boys and Stand By Me remain cultural touchstones. His adaptability across genres and formats sets him apart from many of his peers.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame page for Sutherland notes that he co-founded the production company Ironworks with Jude Cole. According to the Walk of Fame website, he is also recognized as a singer-songwriter with international chart success and live touring experience.

Where can I find reliable sources on Kiefer Sutherland?

Reliable information about Kiefer Sutherland comes from established entertainment outlets, official biographies, and reference databases. His Wikipedia page provides a broad overview of his career, including filmography, discography, and awards. The Britannica entry offers a fact-focused summary of his life.

Kiefer Sutherland is a Canadian actor who achieved worldwide fame for his portrayal of counter-terrorist agent Jack Bauer on the television series 24.

— Britannica

His official website, KieferSutherland.com, functions as an official biography source, likely maintained by his team. His IMDb profile, available at IMDb, includes credited roles and professional details, though it is partially user-generated.

Kiefer Sutherland is a British-born Canadian actor, producer, director, and singer-songwriter.

— KieferSutherland.com

For those interested in his personal life details, such as family and relationships, TV Guide and similar entertainment databases provide summaries, though these sites often rely on publicly available information and may not always be current.

What is the summary of Kiefer Sutherland’s life and career?

Kiefer Sutherland has built a durable career across acting and music. From his breakthrough in Stand By Me to his award-winning role in 24, he remains a recognizable and respected figure in entertainment. His family legacy, including his father Donald Sutherland, adds depth to his story. While some details about his net worth and current projects remain uncertain, his professional accomplishments are well documented.

Frequently asked questions about Kiefer Sutherland