Hollywood is full of fleeting romances, but Donald Sutherland and Francine Racette’s love story stood the test of time. He had a remarkable partnership with his wife, Francine Racette, who stood by him for over 50 years. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 88 on June 20, 2024, after a long illness. In a 2005 interview, Sutherland expressed how much Francine influenced his career decisions.
Francine Racette, now 76, is also an actress. She and Donald met while working on the film Alien Thunder in 1974 and married in 1972.
This blog will explore Francine Racette’s life, her acting career, and the enduring love she shared with Donald Sutherland.
Donald Sutherland’s Wife Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Francine Racette |
| Date of Birth | September 23, 1947 |
| Age | 76 years old |
| Birthplace | Quebec, Canada |
| Profession | Actress |
| Notable Works | Au revoir les enfants, Lumière, The Disappearance |
| Awards | César Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress (1977) |
| Marriage to Donald Sutherland | Married in 1972; remained together for 52 years until his passing in 2024 |
| Children with Sutherland | Three sons: Roeg (1974), Rossif (1978), Angus (1982) |
| Previous Marriages of Sutherland | Married twice before: Lois Hardwick and Shirley Douglas (with whom he had Kiefer and Rachel) |
| Sutherland’s Death | June 20, 2024, at age 88 after a prolonged illness |
| Legacy | Known for her support and partnership with Sutherland throughout his career |
Born on September 23, 1947, in Joliette, Quebec, Francine Racette grew up in a French-speaking household. She pursued her passion for acting at the National Theatre School of Canada, graduating in 1966. Her early career primarily involved performances in French-language films.
Francine Racette Acting Career
Francine Racette’s acting career showcases her talent and dedication, making a mark in French and English-language films. Though she may not be widely known, she is respected for her compelling performances.
Rise to Prominence in French Cinema
Racette started her career in Canada, focusing on French-language films. She trained at the National Theatre School of Canada, where she developed her skills. In the 1970s, she gained recognition for her work in French cinema, particularly for her role in Lumière (1976), which earned her a César Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Venturing into English-Language Films
She also ventured into English-language films, thanks to her bilingual abilities. A key moment in her career was starring alongside her husband, Donald Sutherland, in The Disappearance (1977), where she showcased both vulnerability and strength.
Notable Film Roles and Accolades
Racette appeared in several notable films, including Monsieur Klein (1976) and Au Revoir les Enfants (1987), where she played Madame Quentin, a mother protecting her family during World War II. Her performances resonated with audiences and highlighted her emotional depth.
Collaborations with Donald Sutherland
Throughout their careers, Racette and Sutherland collaborated on projects like Alien Thunder (1972) and The Disappearance, blending their personal and professional lives beautifully on screen.
She retired from acting in 1980.
Donald Sutherland and Francine Racette’s Marriage
Donald Sutherland was married to Francine Racette for 52 years when he passed away. She was his third wife.
Before Racette, he was married to Lois Hardwick from 1959 to 1966 and to actress Shirley Douglas from 1966 to 1970. With Douglas, he had twins Kiefer and Rachel, born in 1966. With Racette, he had three more children: Roeg, Rossif, and Angus.
Eric Charbonneau/WireImage
All of Sutherland’s children have worked in film and television. Kiefer and Rossif became actors, while Rachel was a production manager. Roeg works at the Creative Artists Agency in the Media Finance division, and Angus has a behind-the-scenes role in the industry.
Despite his busy career that took him around the world for filming and promotions, Sutherland always prioritized being with his wife. In a 2014 interview with GQ, he said, “When people ask me where I live, I say, ‘I live with my wife.’ I don’t know whether I live in Paris, New York, or Miami. I live with my wife.”
Francine Advisesd Sutherland on His Career
While starring in the U.S. adaptation of Enigma Variations in 1999, Donald Sutherland shared with the Los Angeles Times that he learned from his past mistakes regarding play adaptations. A few years earlier, a friend of his wife, Francine Racette, had tried to cast him in a play called La Cage aux Folles, but he dismissed it, thinking it wouldn’t succeed in the U.S.
He recalled saying, “There’s no way this play is going to run,” and later regretted not listening to Racette. This time, when she suggested he take the lead role in Enigma Variations and acquire the English translation rights, he decided to follow her advice.
The key to their enduring marriage was their ability to make each other laugh. Sutherland frequently praised Racette’s remarkable character and the happiness she brought into his life. In a March 2008 interview with The Guardian, he echoed Joanne Woodward’s sentiment, saying, “Beauty fades and so does sex, but my husband makes me laugh every single day.” He added, “And so does my wife. We laugh all the time.”
FAQs
1. When did Donald Sutherland marry Francine Racette?
Donald Sutherland married Francine Racette in 1972 after meeting on the set of Alien Thunder.
2. How many children do Donald Sutherland and Francine Racette have?
The couple has three children together: Roeg (born 1974), Rossif (born 1978), and Angus (born 1982).
3. What is Francine Racette known for?
Francine Racette is known for her work as a Canadian actress, particularly in French-language films such as Au revoir les enfants and Lumière. She received a César nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Lumière.
4. When did Donald Sutherland pass away?
Donald Sutherland passed away on June 20, 2024, at the age of 88 after a prolonged illness.
