David Oyelowo Remembers ‘Bass Reeves’ Co-Star Donald Sutherland As “Inquisitive, Hungry Artist Still On The Hunt For The Truth”

The last major role of Donald Sutherland, who died today at the age of 88, was on the Paramount+ limited series Lawmen: Bass Reeves, headlined and executive produced by David Oyelowo.

The film and TV icon played the imposing Judge Isaac Parker (aka “Hanging Judge”) on the highly rated Western, which told the story of Bass Reeves (Oyelowo), the first African American Deputy U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi River.

Following Sutherland’s death, Oyelowo spoke about sharing the screen with the renowned Hollywood veteran.

“Given the iconic status he rightly achieved, having a front row seat to Donald Sutherland’s last onscreen performance was both a privilege and clear evidence to me of his deep passion for the craft of acting,” Oyelowo told Deadline. “The glint in his eye was that of an inquisitive, hungry artist still on the hunt for the truth. Seeing that glint, up close, in the eyes of a legend was something to behold.”

It is unclear whether Sutherland has been submitted for the 2024 Primetime Emmys where Bass Reeves and Oyelowo are contenders. Sutheland has been Emmy-nominated twice before, winning in 1995 for Citizen X.