Udo Kier, the German actor known for his bold and unforgettable roles, has died at the age of 81. On Sunday morning, his partner, the artist Delbert McBride, announced the news.
The career of Kier spanned over six decades. He appeared in more than 200 films and television projects. He became famous for his daring and unusual choices. He worked with some of the world’s most acclaimed directors. One of his long-term collaborations was with Danish filmmaker Lars Von Trier. Kier starred in six of Von Trier’s projects, including the Palme d’Or-winning musical tragedy Dancer in the Dark.
Born in Cologne in 1944, Kier had a difficult childhood. His mother raised him alone while struggling in poverty. He later said he worked in a factory just to escape his tough beginnings. At 18, he moved to London. There he learned English and started his acting career with the short film Road to Saint Tropez in 1966.
By the 1970s, Kier had become a cult favorite. He starred in Paul Morrissey’s shocking film Flesh for Frankenstein alongside Warhol superstar Joe Dallesandro. He also worked with German filmmaker Rainer Werner Fassbinder in films like The Third Generation and the famous miniseries Berlin Alexanderplatz.
Kier never stuck to one genre. He acted in mainstream films like My Own Private Idaho and Downsizing. He also appeared in horror films such as Dario Argento’s Suspiria and Rob Zombie’s Lords of Salem. He even appeared in music videos for Madonna and Eve.
Even in his last years, Kier continued to impress. His recent roles in Brazilian filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho’s films brought him back to Cannes. Udo Kier’s talent, charm, and fearless spirit made him a legend. His work will inspire audiences for generations.
