Udo Kier, the German actor celebrated for his bold, unconventional screen presence and long career in both avant-garde and mainstream cinema, has died at the age of 81. His partner, Delbert McBride, confirmed his death on November 23, 2025, in Palm Springs, California.
Born in Cologne in 1944, Kier was discovered in London as a young man and soon began acting, carving out a niche in horror and experimental films.
He first gained broad attention with his performances in cult classics such as Flesh for Frankenstein (1973) and Blood for Dracula (1974), working with Andy Warhol producer Paul Morrissey.
Over the following decades, Kier appeared in more than 200 films, spanning a wide variety of genres and working with major directors. He appeared in European art-house classics from the likes of Lars von Trier, including Dancer in the Dark, Breaking the Waves, Melancholia, and Nymphomaniac to Swan Song, My Neighbor Adolf, and Bacurau. At the same time, he made his mark in Hollywood with roles in My Own Private Idaho (1991), Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Blade, and Armageddon.
Known for portraying unsettling, quirky, or villainous characters, Kier’s piercing gaze and intense screen presence became his trademarks.He also appeared in music videos for Madonna and others, expanding his influence beyond the screen.
His final released film was The Secret Agent (2025), a political thriller directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho. In it, Kier played a Jewish tailor scarred by his experience in World War II.
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