'24' Filming Delayed by Sutherland's Surgery

It's hard to come by any figure tougher, stronger, and more nigh invincible than Jack Bauer. He's battled terrorism on a global scale and is rarely deterred even by gunshot wounds or bomb threats.

Unfortunately, it looks like 24's star Kiefer Sutherland will have to spend a little time out of commission as he recovers from a surgery earlier this week.

Sutherland suffered from a ruptured cyst near his kidney. While he underwent surgery for the cyst with no complications, he has taken some time off from the set to heal before returning to his role as Jack Bauer. Filming continued without him for non-Jack Bauer scenes until Friday, but now production is suspended until Sutherland returns for several pivotal scenes.

A publicist said Sutherland will be fully recovered and filming again by next week.

"We hope to resume production shortly and do not anticipate any disruption in the broadcast of this season's episodes" said a separate statement made by 20th Century Fox.