Sutherland's illness causes brief shutdown of '24'

[February 16, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Production of the Fox network thriller "24" has been temporarily shut down so that star and executive producer Kiefer (KEE'-fur) Sutherland can undergo surgery.

Shooting is expected to resume next week with Sutherland's return. Twentieth Century Fox Television would not comment on the nature of Sutherland's ailment, referring to it only as "a medical procedure." The Los Angeles Times first reported the production halt and says Sutherland suffered from a ruptured cyst.

About six more weeks of production time remains for the season. Fox says no disruption is expected in airing the episodes.

Sutherland plays counter-terrorist hero Jack Bauer on the series. The show is now in its eighth season.

[Associated Press]

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