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Udo Kier, the celebrated German actor known for his intense presence and roles in cult films, passed away on 23 November 2025 at the age of 81. His partner, artist Delbert McBride, confirmed the news, but so far, no official cause of death has been announced.
His career spanned six decades with more than 200 films, but one of his most defining performances was in Andy Warhol’s 1973 cult classic Flesh for Frankenstein, where he played the title role portraying Baron Von Frankenstein.
Most recently, Kier appeared in the 2025 neo-noir political thriller film The Secret Agent, directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, and the Sundance premiere By Design, in which he played Aldo Fabbri.
Udo Kier, esteemed performer with a six-decade international career, passes away at 81
Born on October 14, 1944, in Cologne, Germany, Kier grew up in a country still recovering from the aftermath of World War II. His acting career began in the late 1960s when he began landing small roles in European films.
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Kier's career breakthrough came in the early 1970s, when he appeared in Andy Warhol’s Frankenstein, as well as 1974’s Blood for Dracula by director Paul Morrissey. From that point on, Kier worked across genres from horror and avant-garde cinema to mainstream Hollywood, building a reputation as one of the most versatile performers on screen.
Being a cult icon, Kier once stated that he liked working in horror films, lamenting on the fact that people usually "remember you more." He stated:
“I like horror films because if you play small or guest parts in movies, it is better to be evil and scare people than be the guy who works in the post office and goes home to his wife and children. Audiences will remember you more.”
As a teenager, Kier worked in a factory to earn enough money, which, according to him, was to “escape the misery I was born into.” At 16, he befriended the future director Rainer Werner Fassbinder, who was 15 at the time, while they were drinking in a working-class bar in Cologne. He moved to London aged 18 to learn English.
Kier was a frequent collaborator with Danish director and screenwriter Lars von Trier, appearing in many of his films, like Epidemic (1987), Breaking the Waves (1996), Dancer in the Dark (2000), Dogville (2003), and Melancholia (2011).
Beyond Lars von Trier, Kier worked with several influential directors such as Gus Van Sant, Werner Herzog, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Walerian Borowczyk, Kleber Mendonça Filho, Dario Argento, Tom Shadyac, Charles Matton and more.
In 1991, director Gus Van Sant cast Kier in his coming-of-age drama film, My Own Private Idaho. Loosely adapted from Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part 1; Henry IV, Part 2; and Henry V, the film featured Kier in a supporting role alongside the film's starring duo, River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves.
The German actor gained fame in major Hollywood productions, appearing in compelling roles like the villainous elder vampire Gitano Dragonetti in Blade (1998), the psychologist in Armageddon (1998), and the eccentric Ron Camp in the comedy film Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994).
Having a massive cinematic portfolio, Kier also delivered some noteworthy performances on television. He appeared in 8 episodes of Lars von Trier's miniseries The Kingdom. He also played the role of Adolf Hitler in the conspiracy drama series Hunters (2023).
Notably, he voiced Professor Pericles and a Shadowy figure in the animated horror comedy television series, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (2010-2013).
A documentary dedicated to Udo Kier’s life and extensive career, ICH-UDO… der Schauspieler Udo Kier (ME–UDO… the actor Udo Kier), was released in 2012. The film provides a closer look at his artistic journey, tracing his early career, rise to international fame, and legacy through interviews, archival footage, and some behind-the-scenes moments.
Another documentary titled Udo Kier – Dracula, Trash et Dandy Magnétique, directed by Jobst Knigge, celebrating Kier’s 80th birthday, was broadcast by Arte France in early November 2024. It highlighted his magnetic screen presence and cult status, his iconic roles in horror, avant-garde, and genre cinema.
Stay tuned for more updates.
