German Horror Film Icon Udo Kier Passes Away at 81
Udo Kier, a prominent figure in both Hollywood and European cinema, passed away at the age of 81. He died on Sunday morning in Palm Springs, California. His partner, Delbert McBride, confirmed the news, while his friend, photographer Michael Childers, announced the announcement on social media. The cause of death remains undisclosed.
Legacy of Udo Kier
Born Udo Kierspe in Germany in 1944, Kier’s early life was tumultuous. His birth coincided with a bombing that destroyed the hospital where he was born. Raised in postwar Germany, he described his childhood as “horrible,” growing up in poverty without hot water until he turned 17.
His passion for acting began as a teenager after befriending future film director Rainer Werner Fassbinder in Cologne. Kier’s career took off when he moved to London, where he was discovered in a coffee shop. His breakout role came in the horror film Mark of the Devil in 1970.
Notable Collaborations
Throughout his career, Kier collaborated with numerous well-known directors. He appeared in multiple films by:
- Rainer Werner Fassbinder
- Gus Van Sant
- Lars von Trier
His relationship with von Trier was particularly significant, spanning several decades and resulting in influential films such as Dancer in the Dark and Melancholia. Kier also had roles in Paul Morrissey’s Flesh for Frankenstein and Blood for Dracula, which helped cement his reputation in the horror genre.
Versatile Career
Kier’s career was marked by a wide variety of roles. He was often cast as villains and monsters, including vampires and Nazis. His memorable performances earned him acclaim as a character actor.
In addition to film and television, Kier appeared in music videos for prominent artists, including Madonna and Korn. He also featured in many Hollywood films throughout the 1990s, such as Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and End of Days.
Final Projects
Kier’s later work included the role of a retired hairdresser in the 2022 comedy Swan Song and a Jewish Holocaust survivor in the political thriller The Secret Agent. He is also set to appear in the upcoming horror video game OD, created by Hideo Kojima and producer Jordan Peele.
Reflecting on his extensive career, Kier once noted that while many movies are forgettable, there are always some worth watching. His legacy as an icon of horror cinema will persist long after his passing.
