Kiefer Sutherland's personal life has long run parallel to his intense on-screen career. Best known for his roles in 24 and Flatliners, the actor has navigated two marriages, high-profile broken engagements, and numerous public relationships. Unlike many Hollywood figures who cycle through romances every few months, Sutherland's history features longer chapters, distinct eras of domesticity, and periods of high-stakes scrutiny.
Examining his relationship timeline reveals a pattern of early romance, intense media storms, and a later pivot toward lower-profile partnerships. From his first marriage in the late 1980s to his long-term engagement with Cindy Vela, Sutherland's personal journey tells a complex story of personal evolution under the Hollywood spotlight.
The First Marriage: Camelia Kath and Early Stardom
In 1987, a young Kiefer Sutherland married Camelia Kath, an actress and the widow of Chicago guitarist Terry Kath. Sutherland was just 20 years old at the time, navigating a rapidly ascending film career that included breakout roles in Stand by Me and The Lost Boys.
Family Life and Divorce
The couple welcomed a daughter, Sarah Sutherland, who later carved out her own acting career on the HBO series Veep. Through this union, Kiefer also became a stepfather to Camelia's daughter, Michelle.
Despite welcoming a child, the marriage faced the immense pressures of youthful ambition and Hollywood travel schedules. The couple divorced in 1990 after three years of marriage. The split remained relatively quiet compared to the media firestorms that would follow his subsequent relationships.
The Julia Roberts Engagement and 1990s Whirlwind
Following his divorce from Kath, Sutherland's romantic life collided with Hollywood's A-list. While filming Flatliners in 1989, he met Julia Roberts, who was on the verge of global superstardom following Pretty Woman.
The High-Profile Split
The pair quickly became one of Hollywood's most talked-about couples, announcing an engagement with plans for a lavish wedding on June 14, 1991. However, the relationship imploded just days before the ceremony.
Reports surfaced that Roberts called off the wedding amid intense media scrutiny and personal friction, flying to Ireland shortly thereafter. The abrupt cancellation became a permanent fixture of 1990s pop culture lore, forcing Sutherland into a period of public introspection and career recalibration.
The Second Marriage: Kelly Winn and the Rodeo Era
After navigating several years of single life and high-profile film projects, Sutherland married his second wife, Kelly Winn, on June 29, 1996.
Separation and Prolonged Legal Finale
By the late 1990s, Sutherland stepped back from the relentless pace of Hollywood blockbusters. He purchased a 900-acre ranch in Montana and spent considerable time competing on the professional rodeo circuit.
The lifestyle shift did not salvage the marriage. Sutherland and Winn separated in 1999, just three years after tying the knot. Interestingly, while the separation happened swiftly, the legal divorce process moved at a glacial pace. Sutherland officially filed for divorce in 2004, but the paperwork was not finalized until May 16, 2008.
Later Relationships: Finding Stability with Cindy Vela
Following his separation from Winn, Sutherland was linked to several high-profile figures, including actress Bo Derek in 2000. However, as he entered his mature career phase—dominating television screens globally as Jack Bauer in Fox's 24—he began shielding his private life from tabloids.
A Private Engagement
Sutherland began dating model and actress Cindy Vela around 2014. Unlike his earlier relationships, the couple kept their romance strictly out of the public eye for years before stepping out together. They became engaged in 2017 and have since split their time between Los Angeles and New York. This era marked a clear departure from his turbulent 20s and 30s, prioritizing quiet domesticity over red-carpet saturation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Kiefer Sutherland been married?
Kiefer Sutherland has been married twice. His first marriage was to Camelia Kath (1987–1990) and his second was to Kelly Winn (1996–2008, though they separated in 1999).
Do Kiefer Sutherland and Camelia Kath have children together?
Yes, they share one daughter, Sarah Sutherland, born in 1988, who works as an actress.
Why did Kiefer Sutherland and Julia Roberts call off their wedding?
The engagement ended abruptly in June 1991 due to intense media pressure, conflicting schedules, and personal differences, leading Roberts to call off the ceremony just four days before the date.
Who is Kiefer Sutherland's current partner?
Sutherland has been in a relationship with actress and model Cindy Vela since 2014, and the couple became engaged in 2017.
