Donald and Kiefer Sutherland at the 2006 Emmys
Since his release from jail for DUI earlier this month, “24” star Kiefer Sutherland appears to be a model citizen—keeping a low profile, staying out of trouble and even spending some quality time with his father, actor Donald Sutherland, currently the star of the ABC hit “Dirty Sexy Money.”

Kiefer, who has been recorded in various stages of drunken undress and infamously attacking an innocent Christmas tree in a hotel lobby, has had an up-and-down relationship with his famous dad for years. Reportedly, Donald pulled some strings behind the scenes to get Kiefer’s acting career started back in the ’80s, and Kiefer has spent years trying to distance himself and prove his talent away from his father’s influence.

In a recent statement, Donald, who struggled with his own substance abuse problems in the ’70s, commended his son for owning up to his mistakes and accepting his punishment accordingly:

DONALD SUTHERLAND has applauded his son KIEFER’s “perfect” behaviour in the aftermath of his arrest for drink (sic)-driving in September (07). 24 star Kiefer will spend Christmas behind bars after a Los Angeles judge sentenced him to 48 days in jail for driving under the influence.

But Donald insists his son conducted himself in an “honourable” manner and that other people, who he refuses to name, behaved in a disrespectful way at the time of the incident.

Sutherland Sr says, “You don’t want to get me going on this. All I can tell you is that he (Kiefer) is the most honourable, responsible, decent man I know, and I love him with a passion.

“(Kiefer) behaved in a way that was so pure and so perfect and so respectful.
There are other elements in our community that were less so, but he was perfect.”

[From PR Inside]

Hmmm. Could that be a dig at the Lohans and Hiltons of the world?

Kiefer and Donald were photographed, smiling and walking together, outside Mr Chow restaurant not long after his release from jail. These two are rarely photographed together—and Kiefer is more rarely photographed smiling. Hopefully, he can learn something from his time in jail and get help for his addiction. It seems like his dad is a great support system these days.

Picture note by Celebitchy: Kiefer and Donald Sutherland are shown in an image from the 2006 Emmys. Page Six has the photos of father and son hugging recently before having dinner.