USA: Despite legal troubles, Kiefer Sutherland hits red carpet Tuesday night (May 12, 2009) for special screening event celebrating success of "24"

Record ID: 221058

  • Title: USA: Despite legal troubles, Kiefer Sutherland hits red carpet Tuesday night (May 12, 2009) for special screening event celebrating success of "24"
  • Date: 13th May 2009
  • Summary: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (MAY 12, 2009) (REUTERS) (*** BEWARE FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY ****) KIEFER SUTHERLAND ON THE RED CARPET CLOSE-UP OF SUTHERLAND (SOUNDBITE) (English) KIEFER SUTHERLAND, ON THE SUCCESS OF SEASON SEVEN, SAYING: "But, I think what we did with season seven is we took all of our knowledge. We figured out what things did work for us and what thing
  • Embargoed: 28th May 2009 13:00
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  • Location: Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVA1BYZSKXDUS782X8E8HFFDQ4IU
  • Story Text: Kiefer Sutherland set aside his recent legal troubles as he arrived on the red carpet Tuesday night (May 12, 2009) for a special screening celebrating the seventh season of his hit television show, "24."
    Prior to the event, fans were lined up outside the Wadsworth Theater in Los Angeles hoping to catch a glimpse of the actor who plays the tough-minded special agent Jack Bauer on the TV thriller.
    On the night, Sutherland seemed to be in especially good spirits, considering he was arrested last week and charged with assault for allegedly headbutting a fashion designer who bumped actress Brooke Shields at a swank New York party.
    The 42-year-old star, who is already on probation for a 2007 drunken driving case, surrendered to New York City police on Thursday (May 7, 2009).
    Lawyers for the actor though say he was "neither the instigator nor the wrongdoer."
    For his part Sutherland was a true professional on the red carpet, posing with cast members and giving interviews. It is worth noting, that reps at the event were diligent in reminding the press to avoid asking about the "headbutting" incident.
    The actor though was more than happy to talk about the series "24" and the role that has made him a household name.

    "I think what we did with season seven is we took all of our knowledge," explained Sutherland. " We figured out what things did work for us and what things didn't work for us and I think we took all of that knowledge and actually put it into season seven. The fact that we had a little extra time to make it didn't hurt. So, for all of these different reasons, I actually believe this is the best season to date. We are very excited now about starting season eight."
    After a disappointing and somewhat disjointed season six, "24's" latest season has been seen as a return to form for the Emmy award winning series.

    "Jack Bauer in season one is not the same Jack Bauer in season seven," added Sutherland. "The character is constantly evolving and it has been one of the great lessons I've had as an actor. I think if you can't be excited about that, than you may want to consider doing something different. For me, it has been an unbelievable experience."

    "24" director John Cassar said working with Sutherland has always been a pleasure and offered up his support.

    "He's all good, we all support him. We love him. He's a very good friend of mine. I'm totally supporting him. As far as the impact on season eight, I really don't think there is going to be any. I think this is going to work itself out, and they will go on to do season eight like it is planned."
    The crew of "24" is expected to get back to work for season eight in two weeks.
    In the meantime, season seven will be available on Blu-ray Disc and DVD on May 19.
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