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Entertainment • Actor

Kiefer Sutherland

Kiefer Sutherland is a British-born Canadian actor, musician, and producer best known for playing Jack Bauer in the television series *24*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kiefer Sutherland is a British-born Canadian actor, musician, and producer best known for playing Jack Bauer in the television series *24*. He has also appeared in films such as *Stand by Me*, *The Lost Boys*, and *A Few Good Men*, and starred in the TV series *Designated Survivor*.

Early life and family

Kiefer Sutherland was born in London, England, United Kingdom, in 1966. He is the son of actors Donald Sutherland and Shirley Douglas. He is described as British-born and Canadian.

Acting career

Sutherland gained prominence in films during the 1980s, appearing in *Stand by Me*, *The Lost Boys*, and *A Few Good Men*. He became internationally known for television work, especially his role as Jack Bauer in *24*. He later starred as President Tom Kirkman in the television series *Designated Survivor*.

Awards and recognition

His performance in *24* earned major television awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.

Other work

In addition to acting, Sutherland has worked as a musician and has appeared in other television projects such as *Designated Survivor* and *Rabbit Hole*.

Key facts

  • Born in London, 1966, and is British-born and Canadian.
  • Most widely known role is Jack Bauer in *24*.
  • Won a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award for *24*.
  • Starred as President Tom Kirkman in *Designated Survivor*.
  • Film credits include *Stand by Me*, *The Lost Boys*, and *A Few Good Men*; also active as a musician.
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Canadian context

He is widely regarded as a Canadian entertainer because he is the son of Canadian actors Donald Sutherland and Shirley Douglas and has long been identified as Canadian in major reference sources.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Kiefer Sutherland?
Kiefer Sutherland is a British-born Canadian actor, musician, and producer best known for his role as Jack Bauer in *24*.
What is Kiefer Sutherland famous for?
He is most famous for playing Jack Bauer in the television series *24*.
What awards has Kiefer Sutherland won?
He won a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award for his work on *24*.
What are some films Kiefer Sutherland appeared in?
He appeared in films including *Stand by Me*, *The Lost Boys*, and *A Few Good Men*.
Is Kiefer Sutherland also a musician?
Yes. He has also released music and worked as a singer-songwriter.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiefer_Sutherland
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, nationality, and major acting roles including *24* and *Designated Survivor*.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kiefer-Sutherland
    Supports: British-born Canadian actor, birth place and date, and prominence for *24*.
  3. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/actors/kiefer-sutherland
    Supports: Parentage, early film roles, and later television work including *24*.
  4. Canada's Walk of Fame — https://www.canadaswalkoffame.com/inductees/kiefer-sutherland/
    Supports: Canadian connection, birth details, parentage, and full name.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000662/bio/
    Supports: Birth name and birth place.
  6. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiefer_Sutherland_filmography
    Supports: Filmography, awards for *24*, and later television roles.