Born 17.7.1934 in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. Studied at the University of Toronto. Performed in amateur theater productions. In 1956 he left for Great Britain.

Studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Acted in a number of English provincial theaters and on TV, then made his debut on the London stage. In film since 1964.

The first screen roles of this tall, thin, distinctive-looking, extravagant actor were determined by his unusual appearance and his special, uniquely his own vocal timbre.

These were flawed, pathological characters, most often in horror films, in which Sutherland acted with his characteristic artistry and sense of humor ("Castle of the Living Dead", 1964, "Dr. Terror's House of Horrors", 1964, "The Fanatic", 1966).