Veteran Canadian actor Donald Sutherland has been honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The 75-year-old – whose career has spanned five decades – was joined by friends and family as the honour was unveiled outside the Roosevelt Hotel.

The star has been placed next to that of his son Kiefer – presented in December 2008 – who was unable to attend his father's ceremony because of work commitments.

He did, however, send a message which was read out by Donald's Ask The Dust co-star, Colin Farrell – the pair are reuniting for upcoming comedy Horrible Bosses.

"I selfishly wanted to be there to tell you how proud I am to have you as my father and how even more proud I am to be your son," Kiefer said in his tribute.

Donald, meanwhile, joked that getting a star was better than a cemetery headstone because he could "come and visit."

"I could get a chair and sit here, or a bucket and a mop and clean it, and make sure people don't step on it," added the actor, who has starred in some 130 films.

Photo: � Rex