Donald Sutherland’s second wife, Shirley Douglas, was a celebrated Canadian actress. She amassed a hefty net worth from her lengthy and successful career in the film and TV industry.
Her marriage with actor Donald Sutherland lasted from 1966 to 1970. The couple shared two children, twins Rachel and Kiefer Sutherland.
Following their divorce, her ex-husband married actress Francine Racette, while Shirley remained single until her demise.
Sadly, she passed away on April 5, 2020, due to complications from pneumonia, just three days after her 86th birthday.
Kiefer Sutherland’s Mother, Shirley Douglas, Had an Extensive Career of Over Five Decades!
The late Canadian actress Shirley Douglas had a triumphant career spanning over five decades, from 1954 to 2009.
She was widely known for starring in Dead Ringers (1988), Wind at My Back (1996), and Lolita (1962).
The Canadian actress and activist Shirley Douglas had an estimated net worth of $2 million, amassed from her extensive acting career in film and television.
In 1977, she moved from Los Angeles to Toronto’s East York neighborhood, Crescent Town, and got a 13th-floor apartment.
Mike, Rik, & Gil mourn the loss of @RealKiefer’s amazing mother Shirley Douglas who impacted our Canadian society in so many ways and shone a light on so many important issues. RIP pic.twitter.com/XNwgZ4Cykf
— TRIUMPH (@TriumphTheBand) April 7, 2020
Getting an apartment in the most expensive city in Canada, Toronto speaks volumes about her strong financial capability.
Although exact figures are unavailable, some sources suggest she earned around a hefty sum throughout her remarkable journey.
Her IMDb profile lists 42 acting credits, the last of which is her role in the TV series Corner Gas.
She earned awards and several nominations for her performance at award functions. This indicates a great deal about her outstanding prominence in the industry.
At the Gemini Awards, Shirley bagged the best performance by an actress in a Featured Supporting Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-series in 2000.
Actress Shirley Douglas’s Legacy Extended Beyond Acting!
Kiefer Sutherland‘s mother, Shirley, secured a robust financial status mainly through her successful career in the film and television industry.
Shirley’s acting journey began after securing a role in the Regina Little Theatre entry at the Dominion Drama Festival.
Her acting career saw Shirley performing in different genres, from sci-fi, thriller, rom-com, and whatnot.
The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art graduate, Shirley, stayed in England for several years, performing in theatre and TV before returning to Canada in 1957.
The actress leveraged her academic accomplishments and passion into her acting career, later earning her significant success.
Remembering Kiefer Sutherland’s mother and Donald Sutherland’s wife, Shirley Douglas. The actress who played May Bailey on Wind at My Back, Grandma in Barney's Great Adventure and narrated Franklin (Seasons 2-4). #ShirleyDouglas pic.twitter.com/StA2j8mfIE
— Jake with the Ob (@mnralphie) April 3, 2024
Her career spanned several roles worldwide, including Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Some of her strong roles include feminist Nellie McClung in the movie of the same name, May Bailey in the TV series “Wind at My Back,” and more.
In 2003, Shirley was named an Officer of the Order of Canada for her remarkable contributions to the performing arts.
Not to forget, her legacy extends beyond acting. The award-winning Candian actress was also known for her activism.
Shirley actively participated in campaigns against the Vietnam War, the American Civil Rights Movement, and other causes.
Despite her physical absence, Shirley remains immortal in our hearts. While her legacy remains intact in the film industry.
Meanwhile, we offer heartfelt condolence to Donald Sutherland’s family and loved ones at the time of the ordeal.
Additional Information
- The Canadian actress, Shirley, had a son, Thomas Emil Sicks, from her previous marriage to Timothy Emil Sicks, before tying the knot with Donald Sutherland.
- Shirley was battling several health issues before her demise in 2020.
- She was nominated for the best performance by an actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role award for her role in Wind at My Back at Gemini Awards in 1998.
