Kiefer Sutherland arrives at the FOX Fall Eco-Casino Party in Los Angeles on Monday, Sept. 24, 2007. (Matt Sayles / AP)

Kiefer Sutherland arrested in LA for DUI
By Robert Jablon
Associated Press
September 26, 2007

Kiefer Sutherland had a bad 24 hours. The dashing star of the TV drama "24" was arrested for investigation of misdemeanor drunken driving early Tuesday while still on probation from a similar 2004 conviction.

Sutherland, 40, failed a field sobriety test after he was stopped for making an illegal U-turn in West Los Angeles shortly after 1 a.m., police spokesman Kevin Maiberger said.

Sutherland tested over the state's legal blood alcohol limit of .08 percent, Officer Karen Smith said. Police declined to reveal the level.

He was booked for investigation of driving under the influence of alcohol and spent about three hours in jail before he posted $25,000 bail and was released.

Sutherland was scheduled to appear in court Oct. 16, Maiberger said.

Sutherland's publicist, Evelyn Karamanos, said, "It would be premature to comment at this time."

Not long before he was stopped, Sutherland was seen at a party at the trendy Area nightclub. The event, in the same neighborhood where the actor was pulled over, was a celebration of the new fall shows on Fox TV, the network that broadcasts "24."

The city attorney's office had not received the police report and had not filed charges Tuesday afternoon.

A misdemeanor DUI count would carry a maximum sentence of a year in jail. However, Sutherland also could face a charge of violating probation — the same charge that landed socialite Paris Hilton in jail for 23 days.

In November 2004, Sutherland pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence and was sentenced to 60 months of probation, 50 hours of community service and was ordered to attend an alcohol treatment program, said Frank Mateljan, a spokesman for the city attorney's office.

In May 2005, Sutherland provided the court with proof that he had completed the community service and the treatment, Mateljan said.

Sutherland also had a 1993 conviction for alcohol-related reckless driving, Mateljan said. He had no additional details on either case.

Sutherland won a best actor Emmy award last year for his performance as dashing federal counter-terrorist agent Jack Bauer on the Fox TV series "24." The series is set to return to the air in January.

In the wake of his latest arrest, a nonprofit group that raises money for Los Angeles police causes said it would no longer use Sutherland to present its guest of honor at an upcoming fundraiser.

Sutherland was supposed to introduce his friend, producer Brian Grazer, at the "True Blue" fundraiser of the Los Angeles Police Foundation scheduled for Saturday. Instead, actor Ron Howard will introduce Grazer at the $350-a-plate event at Paramount Studios, foundation President Karen Wagener said.

"Obviously we don't want to embarrass him ... or the department, so introducing Brian on the stage would be inappropriate," she said.

Sutherland still was on the invitation list for the affair, which was expected to raise $1 million. Wagener said she had not contacted the actor and it was not immediately clear whether he would attend.

Sutherland, who was born in London but went to high school in Canada, was receiving an award of excellence Tuesday afternoon from the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists. After his arrest, the event at the official residence of the Canadian consul general was closed to the media.

"We are honoring Mr. Sutherland's commitment to Canada and to Canadian performers," Richard Hardacre, ACTRA national president, said in a statement.

Sutherland gave an eloquent speech but did not bring up his arrest, actor Gordon Clapp told reporters.

"There was no mention of anything, certainly about the last 24 hours, but that's only fair," Clapp said.

Asked about Sutherland's demeanor, Clapp said: "He was fine, he was good. He was very affable with everyone and happy to see everybody."

Associated Press Entertainment Writer Sandy Cohen contributed to this report.

Fox Press Release:

“24” RESETS THE CLOCK FOR SEASON SEVEN
WITH TWO-NIGHT PREMIERE EVENT
SUNDAY, JAN. 13, AND MONDAY, JAN. 14, ON FOX

CTU Disbanded, Set in Washington, DC;
Fan-Favorite “Tony Almeida” Returns

“Day 7” to Air All Originals All Season into June

The innovative, addictive, Emmy Award-winning television series 24 resets the clock for Season Seven with a special two-night premiere event Sunday, Jan. 13 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Monday, Jan. 14 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

In keeping with FOX’s commitment to airing original programming year-round, the intense season will unfold in 24’s regular 9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT time period beginning Monday, Jan. 14, and will continue to air all originals all season into June.

“Day 7” of 24 will continue the show’s unique and trend-setting format with compelling new elements. With CTU dismantled, the show’s setting moves to Washington, DC, where JACK BAUER (Kiefer Sutherland) faces trial for his actions in the pursuit of justice. Bauer’s day gets off to a shocking start when former colleague TONY ALMEIDA (Carlos Bernard), last seen in “Day 5,” returns after being left for dead by a terrorist conspirator in CTU’s infirmary.

“Tony’s uncertain fate near the end of ‘Day 5’ left the door open for his return,” said executive producer/show-runner Howard Gordon. “And since there was no silent clock at the conclusion of his last appearance – the 24 tribute to a major character’s demise – we always kept this as a possibility.”

Bernard’s return highlights a list of notable cast members clocking in for Season Seven, including the previously announced Cherry Jones (“The Heiress”) as President ALLISON TAYLOR and Janeane Garofalo (“The Larry Sanders Show”) as FBI Agent JANIS GOLD. Colm Feore (“Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee”) will play First Gentleman HENRY TAYLOR and Bob Gunton (“Desperate Housewives”) is White House Chief of Staff ETHAN KANIN.

FBI Agents assigned to the team investigating the crisis befalling Bauer include Garofalo’s Agent Gold in addition to Annie Wersching (“General Hospital”) as Agent RENEE WALKER, Jeffrey Nordling (“Dirt”) as Agent LARRY MOSS and Rhys Coiro (“Entourage”) as Agent SEAN HILLINGER. John Billingsley (PRISON BREAK) portrays security specialist MICHAEL LATHAM. Although CTU is no longer, CHLOE O’BRIAN (Mary Lynn Rajskub) and BILL BUCHANAN (James Morrison) are back for another momentous day of shocking events.

As part of News Corp.’s global commitment to fighting climate change, 24 has pledged significant and innovative changes to its production practices with the goal of saving energy and reducing carbon emissions. Created by Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran, 24 is a production of Real Time Productions and Imagine Television in association with 20th Century Fox Television. Joel Surnow, Robert Cochran, Howard Gordon, Evan Katz, Jon Cassar, Manny Coto, David Fury, Kiefer Sutherland and Brian Grazer are the executive producers.

Bob Gunton Joins Jones, Feore, et al. in Cast of Fox's 24
By Brian Scott Lipton
TheaterMania.com
September 22, 2007

Two-time Tony Award nominee Bob Gunton will join the hit FOX-TV series 24 next season. He will play Ethan Kanin, chief of staff to the President of the United States, Allison Taylor, who will play by two-time Tony Award winner Cherry Jones.

24, which begins its seventh season in January 2008, consists of one-hour episodes that take place in real time. The series stars Emmy Award winner Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer, a Federal agent whose job includes preventing the President from being assassinated.

This year's cast will also include theater veterans Colm Feore as Jones' husband, Harry; Janeane Garafolo as FBI Agent Janis Gold, and Jeffrey Nordling as FBI Agent Larry Moss.

Gunton received Tony nominations for playing Juan Peron in the original production of Evita and the title role in the 1989 revival of Sweeney Todd. His other Broadway credits include Roza, Big River, Working, Passion, and Happy End.

Kiefer Sutherland - 2007 Emmys - Photo by Getty Images

Kiefer to add top Canadian acting award to his trophy haul
Hellomagazine.com
September 21, 2007

He already boasts a well-stocked trophy shelf having picked up a clutch of gongs, including a Golden Globe and an Emmy, for his role as maverick CIA agent Jack Bauer in hit US series 24. And now Kiefer Sutherland is set to add one of Canada’s most prestigious acting honours to his cine silverware

The hunky star is to receive the Canadian actor's union Award of Excellence - presented every two years to a union member working predominantly in Hollywood - at a ceremony in Los Angeles at the end of September.

While these days he's much feted, 40-year-old Kiefer didn't have an easy start to his career, despite being the offspring of Hollywood heavyweights Donald Sutherland and Shirley Douglas. He went through some tough times before making it in Tinseltown, at one point living in his car for three months before landing his first role on TV.

"We are proud to present this award to Kiefer who, as a Canadian actor working in the US, has overcome great odds to build one of the most successful careers in Hollywood," said union president Richard Hardacre, in recognition of the actor's early persistence.

Kiefer Sutherland, TV's Jack Bauer, honoured by actors' guild
The Canadian Press
September 20, 2007

TORONTO - Kiefer Sutherland, best known for his role as Jack Bauer on the hit TV show "24," is getting lauded by the union representing Canadian actors.

The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) said Thursday it is honouring Sutherland with its award of excellence.

"While some of our Canadian actors struggle to find their place in film and television, Kiefer is one of our great success stories and it is an honour to recognize him not only for his unique work, but for his strong support of his fellow Canadian actors in Los Angeles," ACTRA president Richard Hardacre said in a news release.

"We are proud to present this award to Kiefer who, as a Canadian actor working in the U.S., has overcome great odds to build one of the most successful careers in Hollywood."

Sutherland, the son of Canadian actors Shirley Douglas and Donald Sutherland, is the grandson of Tommy Douglas, the legendary Saskatchewan premier who created Canada's universal health-care system.

The Emmy-award winning actor continues to speak out in favour of public health care.

The ACTRA award of excellence is presented every two years to an ACTRA member working predominantly in Los Angeles. The award will be handed out Tuesday during an afternoon reception in Los Angeles at the residence of Alain Dudoit, consul general of Canada.

Previous winners of the award include Tonya Lee Williams and Leslie Nielsen.

Dana Walden, Kiefer Sutherland, Gary Newman
Amy Graves/WireImage.com

Spader win fires up Fox party
Kiefer praises 'Sopranos'
By Jeff Sneider - Variety.com
September 17, 2007

"There's always surprises," said "24" director Jon Cassar during the Fox soiree at Spago. "Although James Spader does a great job, beating out James Gandolfini was a surprise, I think, for everybody."

Even Spader agreed. "I was just trying to put sentences together because I was so ill-prepared and surprised. Most of the other people accepting needed more time, but I wanted the music to come up so I could get the hell off of there because I didn't have any idea what I was saying," confessed the "Boston Legal" star.

Speaking like a proud papa, Fox topper Kevin Reilly summed up the evening, "There were some awards we would've liked to have won but ultimately I think we did pretty well." Other members of the Fox family in attendance were William Shatner, Glenn Close and Kiefer Sutherland, who credited "The Sopranos" with being "one of the reasons why I started to look at television differently as a medium, so to watch them in their final season go out like that was deserved and appropriate."

Kiefer Sutherland arrives at the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium on September 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. - Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

'Sopranos' takes drama Emmy; '30 Rock' named best comedy
By Lynn Elber
Associated Press
September 17, 2007

LOS ANGELES -- "The Sopranos" turned its cut-to-black final season into Emmy gold Sunday, winning the best drama series award, and newcomer "30 Rock" was named best comedy series.

The mob saga's victory was nearly unprecedented, with only one other drama series, 1977's "Upstairs, Downstairs," having claimed the top trophy after leaving the air.

"In essence, this is a story about a gangster," said "The Sopranos" creator David Chase. "And gangsters are out there taking their kids to college, and taking their kids to school, and putting food on their table.

"And, hell, let's face it, if the world and this nation was run by gangsters" -- Chase paused and shrugged, as everyone laughed -- "maybe it is."

"Sopranos" stars James Gandolfini and Edie Falco didn't fare as well.

James Spader was named best drama series actor for "Boston Legal," stealing the thunder of fellow nominee Gandolfini.

"Oh my goodness, I feel like I just stole a pile of money from the mob. And they're all sitting over there," Spader said, acknowledging him and the rest of "The Sopranos" cast in the Shrine Auditorium audience.

Sally Field was honored as best actress in a drama for "Brothers & Sisters." Falco was among her competitors.

"How can that be? These wonderful actors," Field said. Cleary flustered, she lost her train of thought at one point, shouting at the audience to stop applauding while she struggled to finish her acceptance speech.

America Fererra of the campy "Ugly Betty" was named best actress in a comedy series.

"This is such an amazing, wonderful achievement. The award is to be able to get up and go to work tomorrow," Ferrera said.

The biggest laugh of the night was earned by presenters Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, after they announced that Ricky Gervais of "Extras" had won the award for best comedy series actor.

"Ricky Gervais could not be here tonight. Instead we're going to give this to our friend, Steve Carell," Stewart said. Carell, a nominee for "The Office," bounded on stage, sharing shared a group hug with Stewart and Colbert.

The Emmys spread the awards wealth:

Supporting actor honors went to stars of "Grey's Anatomy," "Lost," "Entourage" and "My Name is Earl."

"My own mother told me I didn't have a shot in hell at winning tonight," said Katherine Heigl of "Grey's Anatomy." "This is my dream come true. I've been doing this for 17 years."

A standing ovation greeted the sprawling cast of "The Sopranos," which gathered on stage after the drama had claimed honors for best writing and directing. Actor Joe Mantegna paid tribute to the show as "having changed the face of television.

The usually staid awards needed attention from the censors from the start, with first presenter Ray Romano. He joked about his former "Everybody Loves Raymond" wife, Patricia Heaton, sleeping with her new "Back to You" co-star Kelsey Grammer.

But he used a stronger word, which prompted Fox to black out the show for a few seconds. Heigl mouthed another expletive, which Fox unsuccessfully tried to evade with a different camera shot.

Terry O'Quinn, who plays the mysterious John Locke on "Lost," was named best supporting actor in a drama.

"Sometimes when we're rolling around in the jungle in the mud, hitting each other and stabbing each other, I wonder what it would be like to bake up a sheet of cookies on Wisteria Lane and get one of their checks," O'Quinn said, referring to "Desperate Housewives."

"Then I think about my castmates and crewmates, and I realize why I have the best job in the world," said O'Quinn, whose award came in a resurgent creative season for the series.

Jeremy Piven, who plays a slick Hollywood agent on the comedy "Entourage," was another early winner.

"What an embarrassment of riches to even be able to play this role," said Piven.

"I want to thank our entire crew. I don't know any of their names," he joked.

Jaime Pressly of "My Name is Earl," was named best supporting actress in a comedy.

"Broken Trail" was honored as best miniseries and drew awards for stars Robert Duvall and Thomas Haden Church.

Oscar winner Helen Mirren ("The Queen") was honored as best actress in a miniseries or movie for "Prime Suspect," making her the category's biggest winner with four awards.

"The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" received its fifth consecutive trophy as best variety, music or comedy series. Stewart noted the satiric news show sent correspondents to Iraq this year who "found laughs in hell. I think it's the proudest thing we found so far."

In an animated opening, cartoon characters from "Family Guy" spoofed the industry in a song-and-dance number on a specially designed set-in-the-round at the Shrine Auditorium.

Then host Ryan Seacrest took over.

He saluted hosts of years past, including Johnny Carson, Conan O'Brien and Ellen DeGeneres: "Sure, they were brilliant, if that's what you're into." After briefly bantering with audience members, including Eva Longoria of "Desperate Housewives," the "American Idol" host turned the ceremony over to the awards and to those with comedy on their resumes.

Romano and DeGeneres did comedy bits and Lewis Black offered a mini-standup routine.

Even Kayne West did his part, competing in a "Don't Forget the Lyrics!" spoof with Rainn Wilson of "The Office." Told to finish off the lyrics of West's new single, "Stronger," West sang "you" instead of "ya" and Wilson got it right.

"I never win," muttered West, jokingly; he's been publicly peeved over previous awards show losses.

24: Season Six on DVD December 4th
September 4, 2007

Battered. bloodied. barely alive...After twenty months in a Chinese prison, Jack Bauer returns home to be thrown back into the fire to experience one more nail-biting, adrenaline-fueled day, racing against the clock and countless intense situations to save the country from a series of nuclear bombs slated to detonate. Continuing to deliver stellar network ratings each week and nominated for two Emmy Awards this year, 24 Season Six explodes onto DVD December 4th from Fox Home Entertainment, just in time for the new season premiere in January.

Always innovative and utterly addictive, the thrilling sixth season of 24 picks up twenty months after last season's shocking season finale and features even more unthinkable and shocking plotlines that take place in another heart-stopping 24 hour period. Nominated for his sixth consecutive Best Actor-Drama Series Emmy Award, Kiefer Sutherland continues to ignite the screen as the rugged hero Jack Bauer, along with gripping performances from the series returning ensemble cast, including Mary Lynn Rajskub ("Chloe O'Brian"), James Morrison ("Bill Buchanan"), Jayne Atkinson ("Karen Hayes"), Roger Cross ("Curtis Manning"), Eric Balfour ("Milo Pressman"), Carlo Rota ("Morris O'Brian) and DB Woodside ("Wayne Palmer") taking over the reigns as the new President. Season Six also welcomed several new actors to the series, including Rick Schroder ("NYPD Blue"), Peter MacNicol ("Ally McBeal"), Powers Boothe ("Deadwood"), Marisol Nichols ("Blind Justice"), Kari Matchett ("Invasion"), Regina King (Miss Congeniality 2), Harry Lennix ("Commander in Chief"), Rena Sofer ("Heroes") and Emmy Award-nominee James Cromwell ("Six Feet Under") as the introduction of Jack's father.

The seven-disc 24 Season Six DVD set includes all 24 one-hour episodes plus is packed with hours of special features including an exclusive Season Seven preview, over 25 minutes of deleted scenes, numerous cast/crew episode commentaries, more than 20 behind-the-scenes webcast diaries, "Day Six Debrief" mobisodes, several on-the-set featurettes and more. The 24 Season Six DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $59.98 U.S. / $89.98 Canada.

After twenty months in a Chinese prison, Jack Bauer is suddenly returned to the United States. But instead of being free, Jack's release is part of a secret deal: his life in return for the location of Hamri Al-Assad, the leader of a terrorist organization that has unleashed a wave of terror across the country. A broken man, physically and mentally, Jack agrees to the exchange. But when he learns that his new captor, Abu Fayed, is actually the man behind the attacks and that his own sacrifice is meaningless, Jack lashes out and escapes. Now he must convince the President and CTU that the man they are trying to kill may be the only man who can end the rapidly escalating violence.

DVD Special Features:

The 24 Season Six DVD is presented in widescreen format with English Dolby Digital 5.1 and Spanish Dolby Surround audio with English, French and Spanish subtitles. Individual disc content as follows:

Disc One

Episodes:

6:00AM - 7:00AM including 3 branched deleted scenes
7:00AM - 8:00AM including 2 branched deleted scenes
8:00AM - 9:00AM
9:00AM - 10:00AM including 2 branched deleted scenes

Special Features:

Commentary by Executive Producers Kiefer Sutherland and Howard Gordon on 6:00AM 7:00AM

Commentary by Co-Executive Producer Manny Coto and actor Adoni Maropis on 7:00AM - 8:00AM

Disc Two

Episodes:

10:00AM - 11:00AM including 2 branched deleted scenes
11:00AM - 12:00PM
12:00PM - 1:00PM
1:00PM - 2:00PM

Special Features:

Commentary by Executive Producer/Director Jon Cassar and Production Designer Joseph Hodges on 12:00PM - 1:00PM

Commentary by Executive Producer Evan Katz and actor Carlo Rota on 1:00PM - 2:00PM

Disc Three

Episodes:

2:00PM - 3:00PM including 1 branched deleted scene
3:00PM - 4:00PM including 1 branched deleted scene
4:00PM - 5:00PM including 1 branched deleted scene
5:00PM - 6:00PM including 3 branched deleted scenes

Special Features:

Commentary by Editor Scott Powell and actor Eric Balfour on 2:00PM - 3:00PM

Commentary by actors Jayne Atkinson and Powers Boothe on 5:00PM - 6:00PM

Disc Four

Episodes:

6:00PM - 7:00PM
7:00PM - 8:00PM
8:00PM - 9:00PM
9:00PM - 10:00PM including 2 branched deleted scenes

Special Features:

Commentary by actors Gregory Itzin and Jean Smart on 6:00PM - 7:00PM

Commentary by actors James Morrison and Marisol Nichols on 7:00PM - 8:00PM

Disc Five

Episodes:

10:00PM - 11:00PM
11:00PM - 12:00AM including 1 branched deleted scene
12:00AM - 1:00AM including 2 branched deleted scenes
1:00AM - 2:00AM including 1 branched deleted scene

Special Features:

Commentary by Co-Executive Producer David Fury and Director Bryan Spicer on 10:00PM - 11:00PM

Commentary by Composer Sean Callery and actor Adoni Maropis on 10:00PM - 11:00PM

Commentary by Story Editor Matt Michnovetz and Staff Writer Nicole Ranadive on 11:00PM - 12:00AM

Commentary by actor Mary Lynn Rajskub and Co-Creator/Executive Producer Joel Surnow on 12:00AM - 1:00AM

Disc Six

Episodes:

2:00AM - 3:00AM
3:00PM - 4:00AM
4:00AM - 5:00AM
5:00AM - 6:00AM including 1 branched deleted scene

Special Features:

Alternate Ending

Disc Seven

Special Features:

24 Season 7 Preview
Extended / Deleted Scenes (with optional commentary by Co-Executive Producer Stephen Kronish, Co-Producer Paul Gadd and Editor Scott Powell)
Master Illusionist: 24's Special Effects Make-up featurette
24 Season 6: Inside the Writer's Room featurette
24 Season 6: Opening with a Bang featurette
Deleted cameo scene with Ricky Gervais
Webcast Diaries

Inside CTU
Stunts / Special Effects
The Mix
The Sets
Helicopter Explosion
Poor Man's Process
Storming Fayed's Apt.
Background Talent
The 1st AD's
Prop Department: Weapons
Prop Department: Shoot Outs
Watching Paint Dry
The Editor's Cut
Location Lighting
Editing Episode 617
Wardrobe Part 1
Wardrobe Part 2
Casting Part 1
Casting Part 2
Filming Scene 2209
Set Decoration

“Day Six Debrief" Mobisodes
Public Service Announcement from Kiefer Sutherland
DVD-ROM Exclusive: The Technology of 24 featurette
Easter Egg: 24 Minutes: Jack Bauer on The Simpsons

Wersching Faces Off with Sutherland on '24'
By Nellie Andreeva
September 04, 2007

Nellie Andreeva writes for The Hollywood Reporter.

After a lengthy search, "General Hospital" star Annie Wersching has landed the major new female lead opposite Kiefer Sutherland on the next season of Fox's "24."

Additionally, Bob Gunton is in negotiations to join the show as a regular next season when the action in the real-life thriller moves to Washington.

On "24," from 20th Century Fox TV and studio-based Imagine Television, Wersching will play an FBI agent who is in an adversarial relationship with Jack Bauer (Sutherland).

Gunton, who guest-starred on three episodes of "24" last season as Secretary of Defense Ethan Kanin, will reprise his role, now chief of staff for the new president (Cherry Jones).

In addition to Wersching and Gunton, the upcoming seventh season of "24," which begins production Tuesday, will feature several other major new additions: previously cast Jones, Janeane Garofalo, Colm Feore and Jeffrey Nordling.

Wersching, who co-starred on the Fox/20th TV drama pilot "Company Man" this past development season, is repped by SMS Talent.

Gunton, who recurred on ABC's "Desperate Housewives" and FX's "Nip/Tuck," is filming a World War II miniseries for the BBC. He next appears in the feature "Rendition" opposite Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal and in the indies "The Heaven Project" and "The Least of These."

Gunton is repped by Abrams Artists and McKeon/Myones.