American parents.

Nephew of Charlotte Greenwood.

His father Al Sutherland was a theatrical manager and producer and mother Julie Ring a vaudeville headliner. His great-grandfather J. H. Ring was a prominent English playwright, his aunt Blanche Ring a major American stage star, and his uncle Thomas Meighan a popular film actor.

Nephew of Thomas Meighan

Claimed to have been a Keystone Kop while he was working at Mack Sennett's studio--but the claim could never be substantiated.

Was an invaluable source for film historians Kevin Brownlow and Garson Kanin.

While most people who worked with W. C. Fields came to despise him (especially directors), Sutherland got along famously with him and became a lifelong friend to Fields.

Was reported to have said of Stan Laurel that he would sooner direct a tarantula.

Got his start in movies as an actor for Mack Sennett studios. He went on to do stunt work, then become assistant director to Charlie Chaplin on "A Woman of Paris." His directorial debut came in 1925 And in 1927 he made a name for himself as the director on W. C. Fields "It's the Old Army Game."