Key Takeaways

• Donald Sutherland’s two half-siblings, John and Betty Sutherland, left their own indelible marks on the world of literature and art.
• John Sutherland was Donald’s older half-brother and a significant figure in Canadian literature.
• Betty Sutherland, Donald’s half-sister, was an accomplished painter and poet who later adopted the name Boschka.

Donald Sutherland, the renowned Canadian actor known for his versatile performances, came from a family with a rich artistic heritage.

While Donald’s career in film and television garnered worldwide recognition, his two-half siblings, John and Betty Sutherland, left their own indelible marks on the world of literature and art.

John Sutherland (February 21, 1919 – September 1, 1956) was Donald’s older half-brother and a significant figure in Canadian literature.

Born in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, John became a respected poet, literature critic, and magazine editor in Montreal.

His contributions to Canadian literature were substantial, particularly through founding and editing two influential literary magazines: “First Statement” and “Northern Review.”

John’s impact on the Canadian literary scene extended beyond his editorial work.

He published an anthology titled “Other Canadians: An Anthology of New Poetry in Canada, 1940-46,” which showcased Canadian modernist poetry.

He also wrote one of the first critical studies of E.J. Pratt’s poetry.

John played a crucial role in promoting the work of poet Irving Layton, publishing Layton’s first book through his First Statement Press.

Despite his relatively short life – John passed away from cancer at age 37 – his influence on Candian literature was profound.

His work helped shape the direction of modernist poetry in Canada and provided a platform for emerging voices in the literary world.

Betty Sutherland (May 14, 1920 – February 13, 1984), Donald’s half-sister, was an accomplished painter and poet who later adopted the name Boschka.

Born in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, Betty’s artistic journey took her from the Saint John Vocational School to the Art Student League in New York and eventually to Montreal, where she co-founded “First Statement” magazine with her brother John.

Betty’s artistic career was multifaceted. She contributed artwork to “First Statement” and designed book covers for Contact Press.

Her personal life intertwined with her artistic pursuits when she married poet Irving Layton, with whom she had two children.

Their home in Cote St. Luc became a gathering place for poets, artists, and intellectuals, including figures like Leonard Cohen and Dylan Thomas.

Later in life, Betty moved to California, where she continued to paint and write.

She published a book of poems, drawings, and short stories titled “The Prodigal Sun” in 1982.

Her artistic style evolved over time, moving from earth-toned realism to deep, imaginative scenes.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including health issues and periods of financial hardship, Betty remained committed to her art until her passing in 1984.

While Donald Sutherland’s acting career brought him international fame, his half-siblings John and Betty Sutherland’s artistic contributions significantly shaped Canada’s literary and visual arts scenes.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Donald Sutherland’s half-sister Betty changed her name to Boschka later in life, possibly combining her Jewsih nickname “Bashka” with the name of painter Hieronymus Bosch, whom she admired.
• Marxist influenced Donald Sutherland’s half-brother John’s criticism and editing thought, an important aspect of his approach to supporting modern Canadian literature.
• Betty once lost several years’ worth of paintings when they were blown off her car roof into the sea while driving along California’s coastal highway.