Udo Kier, the German actor whose piercing gaze and memorable performances captivated audiences across more than 280 film and television roles, died Sunday at age 81. His partner Delbert McBride confirmed the death to media outlets, while longtime friend and photographer Michael Childers announced the news on social media.
Kier died at Eisenhower Health Hospital in Rancho Mirage, California, where he had been residing in the Palm Springs area. No cause of death was released.
Born Udo Kierspe in Cologne, Germany, on Oct. 14, 1944, Kier’s entrance into the world was marked by the chaos of World War II. Just hours after his birth, the hospital was bombed, and he had to be rescued from the rubble.
The actor’s breakout roles came through working with Paul Morrissey on two Andy Warhol-produced horror films that became cult classics: “Flesh for Frankenstein” in 1973 and “Blood for Dracula” in 1974.
Kier became a fixture in European art house cinema, working extensively with German director Rainer Werner Fassbinder.
Director Gus Van Sant brought Kier to American audiences with 1991’s “My Own Private Idaho,” where he portrayed a benefactor alongside Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix.
Madonna cast Kier in her controversial 1992 coffee table book “Sex,” and featured him in her music videos. He also appeared in music videos for other artists.
The 1990s saw Kier transition seamlessly between art house films and Hollywood blockbusters. He played Ron Camp in Jim Carrey’s “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” in 1994, bringing his distinctive presence to mainstream comedy. His Hollywood credits expanded to include “Johnny Mnemonic” in 1995, “Armageddon” in 1998, and “Blade” in 1998, demonstrating a remarkable range across genres.
Kier maintained a decades-long creative partnership with Danish director Lars von Trier, appearing in numerous challenging and acclaimed films.
In recent years, Kier continued working steadily. He starred as a retired hairdresser in “Swan Song” in 2021, earning praise for his leading role.
Kier’s final film was “The Secret Agent” in 2025. The film represented a fitting capstone to a career defined by artistic risk-taking and collaboration with visionary filmmakers.
Throughout his career, Kier worked with an impressive roster of directors and appeared in films ranging from independent productions to major studio releases. His ability to move fluidly between European auteur cinema and American commercial projects made him a unique figure in international film.
Kier lived in the Palm Springs, California area, becoming a beloved fixture of the local arts community. His distinctive appearance, commanding screen presence, and willingness to embrace challenging roles made him unforgettable to audiences and filmmakers alike across seven decades of cinema.
