Kiefer Sutherland’s Mother, Shirley Douglas, Dead at Age 86

She was married to Kiefer's father, Donald Sutherland in 1965. They later divorced in 1971.

Written by Lauren Laffer
Kiefer Sutherland’s Mother, Shirley Douglas, Dead at Age 86
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 08: Kiefer Sutherland (R) and his mother, actress Shirley Douglas attend "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" premiere during the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on September 8, 2012 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by George Pimentel/Getty Images)

Actor and singer Kiefer Sutherland is mourning the loss of his mother, Shirley Douglas. Sutherland shared the news of her passing on Sunday afternoon (4/5).

“Early this morning my mother, Shirley Douglas, passed away due to complications surrounding pneumonia (not related to COVID19). My mother an extraordinary woman who led an extraordinary life. Sadly she has been battling for her health for quite some time and we, as a family, knew this day was coming. To any families who have lost loved ones unexpectedly to the Coronavirus, my heart breaks for you. Please stay safe.”

Shirley, who, like her son, is an actor, married Donald Sutherland in 1965. Together they had two children, twins Kiefer and Rachel. They later divorced in 1971. She has another son, Tom, from and earlier marriage.

Her acting credits include the 1962 Stanley Kubrick-directed film Lolita, the David Cronenberg-directed 1988 film Dead Ringers, and a role as Professor Dunwoody on Degrassi: The Next Generation.

Douglas was also well known for her activism, supporting causes like public health care, civil rights and the Black Panthers. She was also named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2003 for her work as an advocate for publicly funded healthcare over privatized care.