The family, Hollywood colleagues, and other famous fans praised Canadian actor Donald Sutherland Thursday afternoon after news of his passing spread, calling him a screen legend and brilliant artist.

Actor Kiefer Sutherland announced his father's death at the age of 88 in a social media post in which he also spoke about Sutherland's deep love for his craft.

He wrote in a post on X: "I personally believe he is one of the most important actors in the history of cinema."

The late Canadian actor received similar praise from some prominent fans, including Federal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who recalled his experience meeting Sutherland when he was young during a talk with reporters in Nova Scotia Thursday afternoon.

Trudeau said, "Even when I was young, I hadn't fully grasped the depth of Donald Sutherland's brilliance; I was extremely amazed." "He was a man with a strong presence, a luminary in his craft, and truly a great Canadian artist. We will miss him greatly."

Trudeau expressed his sympathy to Sutherland's family, "as well as to all Canadians who undoubtedly feel sadness upon learning of this, as I do now."

Canadian poet, novelist, and literary critic Margaret Atwood took a moment Thursday to note that she and Sutherland were both graduates of Victoria College at the University of Toronto. Atwood graduated in 1961, while Sutherland graduated a few years earlier, in 1958.

She wrote on X: "He was a great actor even at that time."

Shortly after Atwood, Victoria College shared its own tribute to Sutherland, honoring "his extraordinary life and seven-decade career on stage, on television, and in film."

Hollywood Reaction

Sutherland's career spanned over half a century and included nearly 200 films and television shows, so it is no surprise that Hollywood was also discussing the actor's death Thursday afternoon.

Actor Tom Blyth, who portrayed a younger version of Sutherland in the opening of "The Hunger Games," wrote in an Instagram post, "Donald Sutherland has come close to mastering the craft of acting as anyone can; there have been so many brilliant performances. I did not have the honor of knowing him personally, but it was a lifetime honor to walk in his footsteps."

Michael Douglas, who starred alongside Sutherland in the 1994 film "Disclosure," described the actor as "a beautiful, talented, and curious man" in an Instagram post.

Meanwhile, Rob Lowe, who worked with Sutherland in a made-for-TV movie adapted from Stephen King's "Salem's Lot," described him during a tribute on X as "one of our greatest actors."

He wrote: "It was an honor to work with him many years ago, and I will never forget the charisma he possessed and his abilities." "If you want to get a master's degree in acting, watch him in 'Ordinary People.'

Director Ron Howard said he was lucky to work with Sutherland on his film "Backdraft."

He wrote in a social media post: "One of the most intelligent, interesting, and magnetic film actors of all time." "An amazing range, creative courage, and dedication to serving the story and the audience with great excellence."

Elijah Wood, who worked alongside Sutherland in the 2012 miniseries "Treasure Island," also took to social media to honor the late actor on Thursday.

Adam Nimoy, son of actor Leonard Nimoy, who starred in the "Star Trek" film series, shared a photo of Sutherland with his father and actor Jeff Goldblum during the filming of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," where the three shared brilliance together.

He wrote, "Donald Sutherland, what an incredible talent."