Donald Sutherland Memoir Blocked by Late Actor’s Estate
Donald Sutherland‘s memoir reflecting on his life and career as a pillar of Hollywood is being held up by his estate. In a lawsuit filed in New York federal court on Thursday, Penguin Random House details a dispute with McNichol Pictures in which the company failed to deliver a manuscript of Made Up, But Still…
Donald Sutherland‘s memoir reflecting on his life and career as a pillar of Hollywood is being held up by his estate.
In a lawsuit filed in New York federal court on Thursday, Penguin Random House details a dispute with McNichol Pictures in which the company failed to deliver a manuscript of Made Up, But Still True because the estate of the late actor didn’t approve the draft. The publishing house seeks the return of a $400,000 advance.
The M*A*S*H, Ordinary People and The Hunger Games actor, whose career spanned six decades, died last year. Before his passing, a draft of the memoir had been submitted, with Crown announcing a release in November. The book, described as “bracingly candid” and “utterly unpredictable,” chronicles behind-the-scenes stories of movies he’s starred in and a glimpse inside the private life of the Hollywood icon.
But after Sutherland’s death, Crown was told that Sutherland’s estate had undisclosed issues with the book, according to the complaint. In November, after several failed attempts at engaging McNichol, Crown set a final delivery date of December, which wasn’t met.
Under the deal, Penguin Random House paid an advance against royalties totaling $1.25 million, including a $400,000 payment upon signing. The lawsuit, which alleges breach of contract, accuses McNichol of refusing to return the money.
In its release announcing the book, Crown said that the memoir will reveal “the onstage triumphs that began his career; the pitfalls that threatened it and the movies that burnished it; and the on- and off-set hijinks that gave it all color.” It appears that the release date has been pushed to 2026. Expect a toned down version if it’s published.
