Kiefer Sutherland: In Profile

On roping bulls, embracing wild living and admiring his father's films.

There’s a lot to be said for brevity. My full name is Kiefer William Frederick Dempsey George Rufus Sutherland, for heaven’s sake.

I didn’t know my father was an actor until I was 18. I think he was very determined that I knew him as a father before I knew he was a star. Having seen other people find it hard to grow up in the shadow of a great man, I’m really glad that he did that.

You’ve got to have a hobby. I’ve been roping bulls since I was a teenager. I wouldn’t say it’s particularly relaxing but it’s important to have a life outside of film and TV.

There are no sure things in life. People look at 24 now and think it must have looked like a hit right out of the gate. In fact the show initially had a pretty hard time of things. What’s forgotten is that we were making a show about terrorism in the shadow of 9/11.

Many of my favourite films star my dad. If you’ve never seen Don’t Look Now, buy a copy immediately. There’s never been a better - or sexier - horror movie. How did I feel watching my dad have it away with Julie Christie? How do you think I felt?!