Kiefer Sutherland – Biography, Net Worth, and 2025 Updates

Kiefer Sutherland has built a career spanning more than four decades, moving from teen roles in 1980s classics to leading one of television’s most intense dramas. As of late 2025, he remains active in both acting and music. This article covers his biography, net worth, filmography, family background, and current projects.

What Is Kiefer Sutherland’s Net Worth?

No exact net worth figure for Kiefer Sutherland has been publicly confirmed for 2025 or 2026. Industry estimates typically place his wealth between $40 million and $60 million, based on his long-running television work, film roles, and music career. A significant portion of that figure is tied to his starring role in 24, which is believed to have earned him an estimated $40 million from that series alone.

• His role on 24 remains the single largest contributor to his net worth.
• He has released three studio albums, but acting continues to be his primary source of income.
• His father, Donald Sutherland, is an iconic actor, and Kiefer has spoken about the pressure of living up to that legacy.
• Despite legal troubles early in his career, his public standing and work opportunities have remained largely intact.
• As of 2025, he continues to take on new acting and music projects, which may affect future earnings.

What Movies and TV Shows Has Kiefer Sutherland Starred In?

Breakthrough and 1980s–1990s Films

Kiefer Sutherland’s first film role came in Max Dugan Returns (1983), where he appeared alongside his father. His breakout arrived three years later with Stand by Me (1986), in which he played Ace Merrill. In 1987, he took on the role of the teen vampire David in The Lost Boys, a performance that cemented his status as a rising star. He followed that with roles in Young Guns (1988), Flatliners (1992), and A Few Good Men (1992). During this period, he was widely considered part of the Brat Pack, a group of young actors that included Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, and Molly Ringwald.

Television Dominance

Sutherland’s most famous role remains Jack Bauer in the Fox series 24, which aired from 2001 to 2010. He reprised the character in the limited series 24: Live Another Day in 2014. For his work on 24, he won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2006 and a Golden Globe Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. He later starred as President Tom Kirkman in Designated Survivor (2016–2019), a role that earned him a People’s Choice Award nomination. In 2023, he played John Weir in the Paramount+ thriller Rabbit Hole. He has also provided voice work, most notably as Venom Snake and Big Boss in the video game Metal Gear Solid V, and has made guest appearances on The Simpsons and Family Guy.

Is Kiefer Sutherland Returning to 24?

As of 2025, no official announcement has been made regarding a revival or sequel series for 24. Rumors have circulated for years, but none have been confirmed by Sutherland or the network.

Who Is Kiefer Sutherland’s Father and What Is His Family Background?

Parents and Early Life

Kiefer Sutherland was born in Paddington, London, England, to acclaimed Canadian actors Donald Sutherland and Shirley Douglas. The family moved to California shortly after his birth. He was named after American writer and director Warren Kiefer, who had directed his father in the film MASH. His full name is Kiefer William Frederick Dempsey George Rufus Sutherland.

Marriages and Children

Sutherland has been married twice. He was married to Camelia Kath from 1987 to 1990, and they have one daughter, Sarah Jude Sutherland, born in 1987. Sarah Sutherland is an actress known for her roles on Veep and The Conners. He later married Kelly Winn, and the marriage lasted from 1996 to 2008. His current marital status is not publicly confirmed.

What Is Kiefer Sutherland Doing Now in 2025?

Acting Projects

At the end of 2025, Sutherland began filming Father Joe, a French film shot in English, written by Luc Besson and co-starring Al Pacino. No other acting projects have been officially announced beyond this film.

Music Career

Sutherland has released three studio albums: Down in a Hole (2016), Reckless & Me (2019), and Grey (2023). His music is rooted in country and rock. He has described music as a long-time passion that he did not have the courage to pursue until later in life.

How Tall Is Kiefer Sutherland and Other Personal Facts

Kiefer Sutherland stands 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) tall. He was born on 21 December 1966, which makes him 58 years old in 2025 and 59 in 2026. He holds dual British and Canadian nationality.

Kiefer Sutherland: Career Timeline

1. 1966 – Born in London, UK.
2. 1983 – First film role in Max Dugan Returns.
3. 1986 – Breakthrough role in Stand by Me.
4. 1987 – Stardom with The Lost Boys.
5. 2001 – Begins starring role as Jack Bauer in 24.
6. 2006 – Wins Emmy and Golden Globe for 24.
7. 2010 – 24 concludes its original run (later revived in 2014 as 24: Live Another Day).
8. 2016 – Debuts music career with album Down in a Hole.
9. 2016 – Stars in Designated Survivor (2016–2019).
10. 2023 – Releases third album Grey.
11. 2025 – Begins filming Father Joe alongside Al Pacino.

What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Kiefer Sutherland?

What Is the Context Behind Kiefer Sutherland’s Career and Legacy?

Kiefer Sutherland’s career is notable for its longevity and range. He moved from teen roles in 1980s classics such as Stand by Me and The Lost Boys to leading a prime-time thriller for a decade. His transition into music later in life demonstrates a willingness to take creative risks. In interviews, he has acknowledged the influence of his father, Donald Sutherland, and the pressure that came with that legacy. He has also faced personal controversies, including DUI arrests, but these did not derail his career. The contrast between his disciplined on-screen characters and his off-screen legal troubles has been a recurring theme in media coverage.

What Do Interviews and Sources Reveal About Kiefer Sutherland?

“I think my dad taught me that you can be a human being and still be an artist.”

— Kiefer Sutherland, interview with The Guardian (2016)

“Jack Bauer is a part of me that I will never be able to get rid of.”

— Kiefer Sutherland, various interviews

“Music was always a passion, but I didn’t have the courage to pursue it until later.”

— Kiefer Sutherland, Rolling Stone (2016)

What Is the Overall Picture of Kiefer Sutherland’s Life and Career?

Kiefer Sutherland remains a significant figure in both television and music. His career spans more than 40 years, with his role as Jack Bauer in 24 standing as the defining achievement. As of late 2025, he is actively filming Father Joe and continues to release music. No retirement has been announced, and he continues to take on acting, voice, and music projects. For more on his father’s career, see the Donald Sutherland biography.

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