Udo Kier, a prolific German actor known for his striking features and captivating performances in both art house cinema and mainstream Hollywood productions, has died at the age of 81. Kier passed away in Palm Springs, California, according to reports confirmed by his agency.
Kier’s career spanned over six decades, encompassing more than 200 film and television credits. He became a cult figure for his work with directors like Paul Morrissey and Rainer Werner Fassbinder,and later gained wider recognition through roles in films such as “Blade,” “Coraline,” and “Tár.” His distinctive presence and willingness to embrace challenging roles cemented his status as a versatile and enduring talent.
Kier’s entry into acting was serendipitous. As an 18-year-old newly arrived in London, he was spotted in a coffee shop by British singer Michael Sarne, who subsequently cast him as a gigolo in a short film. “I liked the attention, so I became an actor,” Kier recalled to Variety in 2024.
A chance encounter on a plane seven years later proved pivotal. Kier struck up a conversation with American director and Andy Warhol collaborator Paul Morrissey, showing him photographs of his work. Morrissey jotted down Kier’s number on the last page of his passport. This connection led to roles in Morrissey’s 1973 horror film “Flesh for Frankenstein” and the following year’s “Blood for Dracula.”
His performance as Dracula propelled Kier to cult stardom. He soon reconnected with Fassbinder, embarking on a fruitful collaboration that included the landmark 15-hour mini-series “Berlin Alexanderplatz,” a sweeping depiction of life in interwar Berlin.
In later years, Kier resided in Palm Springs, California, sharing his home with a dog named Liza (after liza Minnelli) and a giant tortoise named Hans.
Kier’s death marks the loss of a truly unique performer whose influence extended across generations and genres. His legacy will continue to inspire actors and filmmakers alike.
