Kiefer Sutherland
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Where would Kiefer Sutherland be right now if it weren’t for an experimental little show called “24”? Most likely still performing in direct-to-video movies, but that’s hardly the case since the hit drama became one of the biggest television successes in recent years. As CTU agent Jack Bauer, Sutherland has created a character that is so intriguing, we doubt that people are talking about anything else other than “24” on Tuesday mornings. In fact, the show is so dominant that other networks have simply given up trying to compete against the ratings giant, and while the show would be nothing without Sutherland’s presence, Sutherland would be nothing without the show. Born in London, England to acclaimed actor Donald Sutherland, Kiefer spent most of his childhood in Canada where he was raised by his then-divorced mother. The veteran actor also bears perhaps the longest middle name known to man, with his legal name being Kiefer William Frederick Dempsey George Rufus Sutherland. Did Donald and his wife have that much trouble picking just one name to call him by?
After finishing school, Kiefer headed back to LA where he was quickly branded a member of the Brat Pack. Following memorable roles in films like “Stand By Me” and as the vampire head honcho in “The Lost Boys,” Kiefer appeared in the film “Flatliners.” While working on the movie, Kiefer also met rising star Julia Roberts, whom he planned to marry until the wedding was suddenly called only three days before the date. After the break-up, Kiefer fell into a ditch professionally to the point where he was only appearing in (or directing) made-for-TV and direct-to-video films. Kiefer soon left filmmaking to pursue his second love – riding horses and rodeo – but after limited success, he began to miss acting enough to give it another shot. Observing the sudden changes in television with shows like “The Sopranos,” Kiefer signed up for the lead role in the new Fox drama “24,” a real time experiment that had just about every reason to fail. Instead, the show survived its first season, earned Kiefer a Golden Globe, and has gone on to become a pop culture sensation; Kiefer’s fame now extends to the Far East where he appears in Calorie Mate Japan commercials as Jack Bauer.
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Kiefer on the Web
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Kiefer on the Screen
Kiefer has a pretty successful career in the 80's with films like "The Lost Boys" and "Young Guns" before slipping into a steady lifestyle of B-movies. He had a few decent hits along the way, including a role in "A Few Good Men" and the cult sci-fi film "Dark City," but it wasn't until he landed the role of CTU agent Jack Bauer that he came back into the limelight. His role on "24" has earned him a Golden Globe, as well as a revived movie career, one that was re-launched with the 2003 thriller "Phone Booth."
From the Mouth of Kiefer
On winning a Golden Globe:
"My mind went totally blank and my body went numb. It was a very surreal moment....It was a great night. I admit I felt really cocky for about 24 hours, and then I had to go back to work."
On "24":
“One of the big draws of the show is here’s a guy who is ordinary in a lot of ways but, due to his profession, he’s placed in extraordinary situations that he has to make right with action and with thought. That’s what is appealing about Jack—he takes charge.”
On the press:
"Aside from what was printed about me during the breakup with Julia, I've been treated very well by the press. I've done some dumb things, and people have laughed at me. But if I get nailed for something stupid, I'd better be ready to laugh at it or I learned nothing while I was away."