Kiefer Sutherland: The Biography

by Laura Jackson

Kiefer Sutherland has not always led the pampered life of a son of celebrity parents. He has carved his own path, made his own mistakes, as well as some unusual and surprising life decisions along the way. This biography traces the actor's life from his childhood, through his parents' divorce to his struggle to break into acting and the success he has achieved today. He has appeared in almost 60 films but his role as Jack Bauer in 24 has given him a new, international audience. This biography explores his versatility as an actor, his involvement with the Brat Pack when he became known as a hellraiser, and the years when he turned his back on Hollywood to travel on the rodeo circuit. In this first biography of the notorious actor, the author will explore the relationships in Kiefer's life—the unique and enduring bond with his father, Donald Sutherland, and his checkered love life including the cancellation of his wedding to Julia Roberts. Bestselling writer Laura Jackson examines closely the many aspects of the actor's life revealing his true story for the first time.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[A.M. Arthur · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was today years old when I learned that Kiefer has one green eye and one blue one. LOL. He's long been a favorite actor, and I adored him on "24" and in quite a few movies, so I was interested in reading more about him. I like that the author actually delves a bit into his family history, including his grandfather, who was influential in the establishment of Canada's public health care system. Recommend if you're a fan.

[Jevron McCrory · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first book I've ever read about the enigmatic actor, Kiefer Sutherland, and it seems his early bad boy reputation was well justified. His wild vibrancy and unpredictability seemed just as prevalent in his real life as onscreen.

I went through the book very fast indeed but that's more down to an interest in Kiefer's very interesting life than any real talent on the author's part. Laura Jackson is primarily a journalist and it shows. Her prose is so basic as to be defunct in any kind of elegance, her sentences clunky and ill formed and at many times throughout the book, she forgets the simple rules of past tense and present tense. I found her writing style rather boring and awkward.

She skims over the details of Kiefer's movies in a rapid shallow way with hardly any attention paid but because Kiefer has made so many movies and his real life so interesting, I can kind of forgive this. She has a lot of ground to cover. (After being spoiled by Brian J Robb's detailing of behind the scenes movie facts and trivia in his books, this was still a little disappointing).

I would sort of recommend this to a Kiefer fan but I have to believe there is a better book on Kiefer out there somewhere.

[Mellissa Hamley · Rating 2 out of 5]

There’s a lot of, what I think to be, unnecessary information about the films other actors and directors. If you want an in-depth read on the films Kiefer has done, then this book is for you. If you stripped that out, and the information about his parents and grandparents, there’s little information that’s truly about him. I found myself scanning the pages for those tidbits. I’m not sure it really sums up who he is, and I suspect there’s other better reads out there.

[Liubov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiefer is one of my faves and I don't even remember since when.. So I'm happy that I came across this book. It was a real treat to read smth I didn't know about his work, family and personal life. I once again made sure that he's a wonderful person and actor.

[Wolfie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting stories about Kiefer's life, not overtly insightful

[Rula · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this book because it inspired me to read a biography of someone who is important to me. i really love biographies about celebrities. reading this book really opened my eyes to what life is like when you are a celebrity. it's really interesting because i didn't know that he was involved in drugs, alcohol, and been in so many great films, it was fantastic to find out these things. i found this book inspirationally wonderful because i think Laura Jackson, the author is the queen of biographies because she has ben really great at doing research about the life of a celebrity. she was brilliant at getting quotes from a wide range of magazines, newspapers and even interviewing people who worked with Kiefer in a number of films.

imagine being a celebrity, starring in brilliant films and then someone like Laura Jackson does a biography about that celebrity, that would be wonderful. my dream is to be like a celebrity, dress like a celebrity and do things like a celebrity. imagine the publicity you might get.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars only because of the subject. The writer is not particularly objective; she glosses over things that might be unpleasant and highlights every compliment, award, and achievement of Sutherland's. Also, the research is cursory--mostly just a re-hash of previously published articles and interviews which have already been heavily overseen by a cautious publicist. I love, however, Jackson's very particular British phrasing throughout the biography.

[Marie Cope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic insight into a very complex and talented actor. on't always believe what the press say about situations. Very disappointed that this didn't continue until present day as I'd love to know what he's doing now....aside from the recently televised 24: Live Another Day!!!

[Savina King · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing family this man comes from!. Wonderful book, lovely man, great actor.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good biography!