Donald Sutherland 'tried to quit' Pride and Prejudice as he 'wasn't right' for the role
Donald Sutherland 'tried to quit' Pride and Prejudice as he 'wasn't right' for the role
Jennie Buzaglo, Hollie BealeSat, August 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM UTC
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The actor admitted that being part of Pride and Prejudice was one of the highlights of his career (Image: Universal Pictures)
Pride and Prejudice continues to stand as a cherished cinematic masterpiece, with its stellar cast receiving universal acclaim, though one prominent actor once confessed they believed they were miscast in their part.
Helmed by Joe Wright, the 2005 adaptation features Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfadyen as Mr Darcy, two of Jane Austen's most iconic literary figures.
The Hollywood film boasts an impressive ensemble, including Brenda Blethyn, Donald Sutherland, Rosamund Pike, Tom Hollander, Judi Dench, and Carey Mulligan.
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Despite delivering a compelling portrayal of Mr Bennet, the exhausted yet tender father of five unwed daughters, Sutherland once disclosed he attempted to leave the production during filming, though Wright adamantly refused his resignation.
"I kept trying to quit that damn job," Sutherland confessed in a 2018 Rolling Stone interview. "Joe wouldn't let me!' Joe, goddammit, I'm not right for this, why the f--- did you hire me for this?' 'You're fine, you can do it.'"
Pride and Prejudice was released in 2025 (Image: Universal Pictures)
Sutherland ultimately expressed appreciation for Wright's determination, acknowledging: "It's one of my favorite things out of all the movies I've done."
During the film's promotional tour in 2005, Sutherland showered his fellow cast members with praise, especially those portraying his screen daughters.
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The actor, who passed away at 88 in 2024 following a prolonged illness, stated: "You've no idea when you come into a picture, what Keira Knightley is going to be like. And it turns out, she is as extraordinary an actor as I've ever met in my life.
The actor died at the age of 88 in 2024 (Image: Getty)
"Rosamund was... it's indescribable, how ethereally beautiful she was. Tallulah [Riley], just... I embraced her. Carey... They were like children. And Jena [Malone], she just became this silly child.
"They were wonderful, it was just a wonderful family. Petted and embraced and supported, and catalyzed by Brenda Blethyn."
Sutherland's passing was confirmed by his son, fellow actor Kiefer Sutherland, in June 2024.
In a heartfelt tribute, he wrote: "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 film history. 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."
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
