The passing of esteemed veteran actor Udo Kier has stirred a profound reverberation throughout the film industry and beyond, with tributes pouring in from long-time collaborators. Among them is game creator Hideo Kojima, who shared poignant reflections on Kier following the news of his demise at the age of 81. The actor's legacy, spanning decades of international cinema, has now been further etched by his recent involvement in Kojima's upcoming project, OD.
German actor Udo Kier bid his final farewell on Sunday at the age of 81, as announced by his partner, artist Delbert McBride. Kier's career spanned over 200 films, including collaborations with directors such as Andy Warhol, Lars von Trier, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, and Gus Van Sant.
Hideo Kojima took to Instagram to pay his respects to the actor, writing, "I'm at a loss for words. It all happened far too suddenly." He added that Kier was not just an actor but a true "icon of his time," whose presence was felt deeply in the industry. Kojima concluded, "Udo, rest in peace. I will never forget you."
Kier's international prominence was forged through his work in Warhol-produced films Flesh for Frankenstein (1973) and Blood for Dracula (1974), both directed by Paul Morrissey. He played the title roles, offering distinctive interpretations of classic monsters that etched his name in film history. In Europe, he worked with Fassbinder on films including The Stationmaster’s Wife, The Third Generation, and Lili Marleen.
At the Berlin Film Festival, Kier met director Gus Van Sant, who helped him acquire a U.S. work permit and SAG card. Kier later appeared in Van Sant’s 1991 film My Own Private Idaho alongside River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves. That same year, he featured in von Trier’s Europa, beginning a long creative relationship with the Danish filmmaker that spanned through Breaking the Waves, Dancer in the Dark, Dogville, Melancholia, and Nymphomaniac.
In the 1990s, Kier's Hollywood roles included appearances in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Armageddon, and Blade. He also appeared in Madonna's 1992 book Sex and her music videos Erotica and Deeper and Deeper. His most recent role was in The Secret Agent.
