Liputan6.com, Jakarta Sad news has enveloped the international film industry.
Veteran German actor Udo Kier was confirmed to have passed away on Sunday morning, November 23, 2025.
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The star, known for his eccentric roles, passed away in Palm Springs, California, at the age of 81.
His passing was confirmed directly by his partner, artist Delbert McBride, to the media.
Kier left an indelible mark on global cinema, starring in hundreds of films and television series over more than six decades.
His unique presence and captivating acting skills will always be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
Udo Kier's Early Life and Profile
Born Udo Kierspe in Cologne, Germany, on October 14, 1944, Udo Kier's life began amidst the turmoil of World War II.
Shortly after his birth, the hospital where he was born was destroyed by Allied bombing, and he and his mother had to be rescued from the rubble.
His childhood was marked by growing up without a father figure, whom he only met as an adult.
At the age of 18, Udo Kier took a major step by moving to London, England, to improve his English.
His first leading role came in 1966 in the film "Road to Saint Tropez," marking the beginning of his acting career.
Udo Kier's career took off thanks to his important collaborations with visionary filmmakers.
He achieved cult icon status through films produced by Andy Warhol and directed by Paul Morrissey, such as "Flesh for Frankenstein" (1973) and "Blood for Dracula" (1974).
Iconic Collaborations and Global Recognition
Furthermore, Udo Kier frequently collaborated with German director Rainer Werner Fassbinder on several of his works, including "The Stationmaster's Wife" and "Lili Marleen."
He also had a long artistic partnership with Danish director Lars von Trier, with whom Kier appeared in nine of his films, including "Breaking the Waves," "Dancer in the Dark," and "Melancholia."
Udo Kier's presence also extended to Hollywood, appearing in major productions such as "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" (1994), "Blade" (1998), and "Armageddon" (1998).
He has received numerous awards, including an Artistic Achievement Award in 2002 and a nomination for Best Actor at the Independent Spirit Awards for his role in "Swan Song" (2021).
He is also active in television, animation, and video games, and is even scheduled to appear in Hideo Kojima's horror game "OD."
Udo Kier's Personal Life
As an individual, Udo Kier was known for being open about his sexuality.
He openly acknowledged his gay identity, a fact he said never hindered his long acting career.
For Udo Kier, the most important thing was his acting ability and the roles he portrayed.
Since 1991, he has resided in Palm Springs, California, making it his home for this iconic actor.
In late June 2020, Udo Kier was also honored with the inauguration of a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
“I liked the attention, so I became an actor,” he told Variety‘s Peter Debruge in a 2024 interview.