Kiefer Sutherland, known for his intense roles in television dramas such as "24" and "Designated Survivor," is currently balancing his acting career with his work as a blues rock singer while touring the United Kingdom. Speaking backstage ahead of a concert in Dublin, the Canadian-born actor, whose film career spans four decades, reflected on the challenges of life on the road and his efforts to connect with people through simple gestures like smiling.

Sutherland described a recent experience walking through a British city where he sensed an atmosphere of tension and aggression. In response, he deliberately made eye contact and smiled at strangers—a gesture he admits feels awkward given his self-critique of his own smile. Nevertheless, he found that the reaction was often positive, with some people smiling back and others quickly looking away. The actor sees this simple act as a way to help ease everyday social tensions, even humorously acknowledging that he would stop if it led to physical confrontations.

His music offers a more personal glimpse into his life. Sutherland’s latest album, "Grey," includes the track "Goodbye California," inspired by the deaths of his parents—his father, actor Donald Sutherland, in 2024, and his mother, Shirley Douglas, in 2020 during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. These losses influenced his decision to relocate from California back to Canada after nearly four decades in Hollywood. He cited a desire for a change of pace and greater proximity to family as motivating factors, despite remaining professionally active in the U.S. entertainment industry.

Sutherland also reflected on his upbringing, touched on in the song "Simpler Time," which nostalgically recalls a period when family dinners were free from electronic distractions—an era distinctly different from today’s technology-saturated environment. He acknowledged the inevitability of technological change but expressed gratitude for the childhood experiences that helped shape him.

Approaching his 60th birthday in December, Sutherland said he has been mentally preparing for the milestone and is largely at peace with his life and career. Despite his reputation for playing tough, troubled characters, in music and conversation he presents himself as a relaxed, approachable storyteller.

Since beginning live performances 14 years ago, Sutherland has played more than 500 shows, steadily building his musical presence. He recounted his first Northern Ireland performance at a tractor festival, where unexpected pyrotechnics disrupted the show, contrasting sharply with his more recent, smoother set in Belfast.

The actor candidly admitted to sometimes forgetting his lyrics on stage, attributing it to being deeply immersed in the moment—a trait he once discussed with his late father, who explained that such moments reflect a performer’s creation of their own reality.

Sutherland also touched on changes in fan interactions over the years. While autograph requests have declined in favor of selfies and constant filming at concerts, he expressed a preference for genuine, in-the-moment engagement with his audience.

Looking ahead, he is set to star in the upcoming film "Father Joe," playing a priest facing threats from a character played by Al Pacino. He also recently enjoyed a rare comedic role in Sky’s Christmas production "Tinsel Town," an experience he described as joyful despite initial surprise from his longtime representatives.

His album "Grey" was released simultaneously with his UK tour, which continues through Sunday. More information on tour dates and tickets is available on his official website.