WITH his drooped eyes and his slender frame, 6ft 4in actor Donald Sutherland was not your typical Hollywood idol. But the legendary Canadian star, who has died at the age of 88 , appeared in some 140 movies, won two Golden Globes and was romantically linked to a string of beauties. The three-times-married father of five’s 50-year film career means he was adored by fans of all ages.

In recent years he was the villainous President Snow in The Hunger Games films, in 1970 he made the dark comedy M.A.S.

H and in 1991 he was the mysterious X in JFK. Donald was never afraid to take risks. He appeared in one of the most infamous sex scenes in cinema in 1973 movie Don’t Look Now, with his explicit intimacy alongside Julie Christie leaving onlookers wondering whether they had made love for real.

The actor, who is said to have dated Christie, denied it — but the stunning actress didn’t. He almost died after falling ill while making war film Kelly’s Heroes, in which he played tank commander Sergeant Oddball, championed the anti-war message with Jane Fonda , smoked 80 cigarettes a day and used to drink heavily. But in his later years he settled down with his third wife Francine Racette, quit smoking , eased off of the booze and became a much sought-after star.

His actor son Kiefer Sutherland revealed his passing last night on social media. He wrote: “With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. “I personally think one of the most importan.