Donald Sutherland’s Hilarious Gas Mask Entrance at a Pride & Prejudice Party!
Did you know that “Pride & Prejudice,” the movie, is now 20 years old? It was brought back to cinemas this year to mark the occasion, and Keira Knightley and Rosamund Pike recently got together to share memories from filming the romantic adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel. I must admit, I wouldn’t have imagined Knightley recounting a tale where Donald Sutherland showed up at a party wearing a gas mask, but it turns out to be an endearing behind-the-scenes anecdote.
Sutherland passed away almost a year ago, having died at the age of 88 in June of last year. In remembrance of him, Keira Knightley recently told a humorous anecdote about working with him as a co-star. As she put it:
In his contract, no one was supposed to smoke near the set, and there should have been no trace of smoke. However, everyone smoked frequently during that time. Therefore, we would often leave the area quickly as people lit up their cigarettes, and then we’d try to freshen ourselves with a spray.
In a recent chat with Vanity Fair, Knightley explained Sutherland’s reasons for being cast in “Pride & Prejudice,” which was somewhat confusing given that many of the other actors on the show were young adults who seemed to be very into smoking back then. However, here’s an interesting tidbit:
Or, more casually: Knightley spilled the beans about why Sutherland got the role in “Pride & Prejudice” during a talk with Vanity Fair. It was a bit puzzling since most of the other actors were young and into smoking at the time, but here’s an interesting detail:
Instead, consider this: At the gathering he attended, he found himself right at its heart, wearing a gas mask. He chose to join the festivities because he wished for everyone’s convenience. In essence, he said, “I want you to feel free to smoke,” which is why I was there, along with him in his gas mask.
Donald Sutherland was firm about avoiding smoke on set, yet he didn’t shy away from joining in the camaraderie with his fellow actors. Imagine him, donning a gas mask, mingling at a party alongside talents like Knightley, Pike, Carey Mulligan, Mathew Macfadyen, and Tom Hollander – if only there was a photo to capture such an unusual scene!
Enjoy the timeless adaptation of Pride & Prejudice featuring Kiera Knightley and Donald Sutherland by streaming it on HBO Max, along with an array of fantastic movies. For just $9.99 per month (with an Ads plan), or explore three other tiers after subscribing to HBO Max. Additionally, save up to 20% by prepaying for a year’s subscription. Check out the deal now!
It’s reported that Donald Sutherland was a heavy smoker in the past, smoking up to four packs daily during the ’60s and ’70s (as RadarOnline claims). However, he later decided to quit this habit. In fact, he became so opposed to smoking that he often requested a 100-yard no-smoking zone on movie sets to maintain distance from cigarette use.
Last year, his death was attributed to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a long-term lung condition that severely impacts one’s ability to breathe. Given that COPD is primarily caused by smoking, it appears that Sutherland’s strong commitment to avoiding cigarettes stemmed from significant health worries.
20 years after its release, Pride & Prejudice continues to be one of Donald Sutherland’s most cherished films among viewers, often revisited like a comforting favorite (such as the man who garnered viral fame by watching it three times consecutively on a plane). Today, conversations frequently revolve around the iconic hand-flex scene and the film’s romantic lines are constantly quoted. Interestingly, Keira Knightley shares an unexpected yet captivating memory of working with Sutherland. What’s remarkable is how the actor managed to strike a perfect balance between making the right career choices and enjoying the process.
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2025-06-13 21:10