Kiefer Sutherland pens heartwarming tribute to father Donald after his death at age 88: 'He loved what he did'

Kiefer Sutherland has led touching tributes to his late father Donald following the Hollywood legend's death. 

The 24 star said his father Donald, 88, 'loved what he did and did what he loved', as he announced his passing on Thursday. 

'With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film,' Kiefer said on Instagram. 

'Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. A life well lived.'  

Kiefer - who went on to emulate his father with starring roles in flicks such as Flatliners and Designated Survivor - shared a heartwarming image of himself as a young boy alongside his father during his heyday. 

Donald's career in Hollywood spanned decades, including appearances in The Hunger Games and the 1970s horror movie Don't Look Now. 

The late actor died Thursday in Miami after suffering a long illness, his management reportedly said. 

He won a number of awards for his eclectic array of movie and TV roles, including a supporting actor Emmy for Citizen X in 1995. 

Sutherland also picked up nine separate Golden Globe nominations for hits including M*A*S*H and Ordinary people, winning two. 

His most recent appearance came last year as Judge Parker in Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and he was set to star in upcoming apocalyptic flick Heart Land, which is in pre-production. 

After Kiefer led tributes in announcing his father's passing, a number of big names honored his timeless career. 

Broadcaster Piers Morgan said he was 'one of my all-time favorite actors who played so many great roles. What a sad loss.'