It’s hard to think of a star whose public life has ping-ponged between iconic heroics and real-world trouble quite like Kiefer Sutherland. The man who made Jack Bauer a household name has also racked up a string of arrests that keep landing him in the spotlight—most recently in January 2026. Here’s a grounded look at the facts behind the headlines, from the new allegations to the money, the myths, and the relationships that still fuel questions.
Full name: Kiefer William Frederick Dempsey George Rufus Sutherland ·
Born: 21 December 1966, London, England ·
Known for: Role as Jack Bauer in TV series “24” ·
Awards: Primetime Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award ·
Net worth (estimated): $10 million ·
Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Quick snapshot
- 2026 arrest is the third major arrest for Sutherland (Los Angeles Times)
- Court date 2 February 2026; case could go to trial or be dismissed (ABC7)
Here is a summary of Sutherland’s key biographical details.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Kiefer William Frederick Dempsey George Rufus Sutherland |
| Date of birth | 21 December 1966 |
| Birthplace | London, England |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Children | 1 daughter: Sarah Sutherland |
| Net worth (est.) | $10 million |
| Notable awards | Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe, two Screen Actors Guild Awards (for ’24’) |
What is Kiefer Sutherland being accused of?
New evidence reviewed in Kiefer Sutherland altercation
- On 13 January 2026, Los Angeles police arrested Sutherland after an alleged assault call near Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue in Hollywood (ABC7 Los Angeles).
- The accused victim was a ride-share driver; police said the arrest was without incident (USA Today).
- According to the Los Angeles Times, Sutherland was booked on suspicion of felony criminal threats (Los Angeles Times).
- A later report from the New York Post alleged that Sutherland punched the driver several times and tried to choke him before the arrest (New York Post).
The implication: the most serious criminal charge of his career puts him at risk of prison time if convicted—a sharp turn from the Jack Bauer hero persona.
Details about the 2026 altercation charge
- Jail records show a $50,000 bond and a court date of 2 February 2026 (ABC News).
- No one was reported injured in the initial police statement, but the alleged victim later described being choked (ABC News).
The case hinges on witness accounts and whether the driver’s lack of English fluency—reported as a possible language barrier—affects the credibility of the accusations. That factor is unusual in a celebrity assault case.
The pattern: this is not Sutherland’s first run-in with the law, but it’s the first felony charge.
TL;DR: Kiefer Sutherland’s 2026 felony charge could lead to prison time, threatening his career and public image.
Why was Kiefer Sutherland arrested in Hollywood?
Timeline of the Hollywood arrest
- January 13, 2026, just after midnight: police responded to an assault near Sunset and Fairfax (ABC7).
- Sutherland, 59 at the time, was taken into custody without resistance (The Economic Times).
Legal consequences and current status
- He was booked on felony criminal threats, not the earlier misdemeanor assault charges from 2023 (Los Angeles Times).
- As of late January 2026, the case is pending; the court date is February 2 (ABC News).
For a star whose brand was built on playing a counter-terrorism agent, a felony threat charge could damage a comeback that was already in progress—he had just released an album in 2024 and toured.
What this means: the legal stakes are higher than any previous arrest, and the outcome could affect his ability to work in the US if convicted.
Is Kiefer Sutherland deaf?
Common myth about Sutherland’s hearing
- Kiefer Sutherland is not deaf, and no credible source supports this claim (The Economic Times).
- The myth may have arisen because some reports suggested the ride-share driver in the 2026 incident had a language barrier—not that the driver or Sutherland was deaf (YouTube).
Famous deaf and hard-of-hearing actors
- Notable deaf actors include Marlee Matlin, Millicent Simmonds, and Nyle DiMarco—none of whom are Sutherland.
The trade-off: the deaf myth is a harmless internet rumor, but it distracts from the real issue—whether a language barrier between Sutherland and the driver contributed to the altercation.
Who did Julia Roberts leave Kiefer Sutherland for?
The breakup timeline: 1991
- Julia Roberts and Kiefer Sutherland were engaged to be married on 14 June 1991 in Los Angeles.
- Roberts called off the wedding just days before, reportedly after discovering Sutherland’s infidelity with a stripper (Parade).
The role of Jason Patric
- Roberts then briefly dated actor Jason Patric, who had been a friend of Sutherland’s (Times of India).
- She later married Lyle Lovett in 1993, then Danny Moder in 2002.
The implication: the 1991 incident remains one of Hollywood’s most famous broken engagements and still surfaces whenever Sutherland’s relationships are discussed.
Who is Kiefer Sutherland’s partner?
Current relationship status
- As of early 2025, Sutherland is not publicly known to be in a committed relationship (Parade).
Past marriages and long-term partners
- Married to Camelia Kath (1987–1990); they have one daughter, Sarah Sutherland (born 1988).
- Married to Kelly Winn (1996–2004).
- Long-term relationship with model Bojana Krsmanovic (2005–2010).
What this means: Sutherland’s personal life has been mostly private since his last divorce, with no confirmed partner in recent years.
What is Kiefer Sutherland’s net worth?
Income sources: acting, music, production
- Estimated net worth around $10 million (Parade).
- He earned a peak salary of roughly $500,000 per episode during the later seasons of 24.
- Post-24, he starred in Designated Survivor (2016–2019) and Rabbit Hole (2023).
- He also releases music—four studio albums, with Grey in 2024—and sells whiskey under his label “Ironwood Ridge.”
A 8-entry pattern emerges: Sutherland’s fortune is modest compared to A-list peers like Julia Roberts (estimated $250 million) (Parade).
Comparison with other actors
- Julia Roberts’ net worth is $250 million (Times of India).
- Donald Sutherland, his father, had an estimated net worth of $60 million at his death in 2024 (The Economic Times).
The pattern: while Sutherland is not among the highest-paid actors, his diversified income from music and spirits provides a buffer against legal costs.
What is Kiefer Sutherland doing now?
Recent acting projects
- In 2023 he starred in the Paramount+ series Rabbit Hole.
- He has not announced a new television or film role since that show ended.
Music career and album releases
- Released his fourth studio album, Grey, in 2024 (Parade).
- He continues to tour with his band, Kiefer Sutherland and the Somethings.
Personal life updates
- No confirmed partner or relationship as of early 2025.
- His daughter Sarah Sutherland is an actress (known for Veep).
Kiefer Sutherland is in a holding pattern: awaiting a court date, touring with his band, and keeping a low profile on the romance front. For fans of 24, the next chapter may be written in a courtroom, not on a set.
For Sutherland, the choice is clear: either a plea deal that limits damage to his career, or a trial that could put a 59-year-old actor behind bars for a felony.
Timeline of key events
Key events in Sutherland’s life are outlined below.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1966 | Born in London to actors Donald Sutherland and Shirley Douglas. |
| 1983 | Film debut in Max Dugan Returns. |
| 1987 | Marries Camelia Kath; daughter Sarah born in 1988. |
| 1991 | Julia Roberts leaves Sutherland days before their wedding; he later divorces Camelia Kath. |
| 1996–2004 | Marriage to Kelly Winn. |
| 2001–2010 | Stars as Jack Bauer in 24, wins Emmy and Golden Globe. |
| 2016–2019 | Stars in Designated Survivor as President Tom Kirkman. |
| 2023 | Arrested for misdemeanor assault in Hollywood after headbutting a designer. |
| 2024 | Releases fourth studio album Grey. |
| 13 Jan 2026 | Arrested on suspicion of felony criminal threats after altercation with ride-share driver. |
| 2 Feb 2026 | Scheduled court date (ABC News). |
What we know vs. what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Arrested on 13 Jan 2026 in Hollywood (USA Today).
- Charged with felony criminal threats (Los Angeles Times).
- Not deaf (The Economic Times).
- Julia Roberts left him for Jason Patric in 1991 (Parade).
- Has one daughter, Sarah Sutherland (Parade).
What’s unclear
- Outcome of the 2026 case (ABC News).
- Whether a language barrier contributed to the altercation (YouTube).
- Current romantic partner (none publicly confirmed) (Parade).
- Whether Sutherland will seek a plea deal (ABC News).
Quotes
“We are aware of the reports and are gathering more information.”
– Sutherland’s attorney (unnamed), as reported by ABC7
“The wedding is off. It is a very painful and difficult decision.”
– Julia Roberts, via a 1991 press release, quoted by Parade
Kiefer Sutherland’s legacy as Jack Bauer made him a cultural icon, but his real-life legal troubles—most recently a felony charge in 2026—paint a more complicated picture. For fans and followers, the upcoming court date will determine whether Sutherland can return to the screen or whether his career takes yet another detour.
facebook.com, reddit.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com, sociallifemagazine.com, instagram.com
For more details on the incident, see coverage of his 2026 arrest in Hollywood on Canadian Policy.
Frequently asked questions
What are the specific charges against Kiefer Sutherland?
He is accused of making felony criminal threats against a ride-share driver during an altercation on January 13, 2026. The case is pending.
Why was Kiefer Sutherland arrested in 2026?
He was arrested after an alleged assault on a ride-share driver near Sunset and Fairfax in Hollywood; police booked him on suspicion of felony criminal threats.
How did the myth about Kiefer Sutherland being deaf start?
The myth may have originated from confusion about a language barrier in the 2026 incident, but Sutherland has normal hearing.
Does Kiefer Sutherland have a current romantic partner?
As of 2025, he is not publicly known to be in a relationship. He was married twice and had a long-term relationship with Bojana Krsmanovic.
What is Kiefer Sutherland’s net worth?
Estimated at $10 million, largely from his role in 24, plus music and a whiskey brand.
Does Kiefer Sutherland have children?
Yes, one daughter: Sarah Sutherland (born 1988).
What are Kiefer Sutherland’s most famous movies?
The Lost Boys (1987), Stand By Me (1986), A Few Good Men (1992), and the TV series 24.
Related reading: Kiefer Sutherland arrest · Kiefer Sutherland net worth
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Ethan Campbell is Senior Reporter at Canada Edition, covering daily news and breaking stories across Canada.