Iconic German actor Udo Kier, best known for Blood for Dracula, Flesh for Frankenstein, My Own Private Idaho, and Blade, has died at the age of 81.
Kier passed away on Sunday morning, his partner Delbert McBride confirmed to Variety. His longtime friend, photographer Michael Childers, also shared the news on Facebook, saying Kier died at Eisenhower Hospital in Palm Springs, California.
No cause of death has been released.
Udo Kier (1944–2025) was a German actor known for his striking look, unforgettable screen presence, and willingness to take on bold, unusual roles. Born in Cologne during World War II, he survived the bombing of the city as a baby and later found his way into acting in the 1960s.
Kier became famous in the early 1970s for his roles in Flesh for Frankenstein and Blood for Dracula. These films turned him into a cult-movie icon and helped launch his long international career. Over the decades, he worked with many famous directors, including Lars von Trier, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Gus Van Sant, Werner Herzog, and Wim Wenders.
He gained mainstream attention with films like My Own Private Idaho, Barb Wire, Armageddon, Johnny Mnemonic, and Blade, where he played vampire elder Dragonetti. Kier was known for moving easily between major Hollywood movies and small, creative art-house projects. His unique voice, intense eyes, and memorable acting style made him stand out in every role he played.
Kier also continued to take on meaningful roles later in life. In 2021, he received widespread praise for his lead performance in Swan Song, which introduced him to a new generation of fans.
Throughout his career, Udo Kier appeared in more than 250 films, making him one of the most prolific actors in the industry. He worked steadily for nearly 60 years and became beloved for always embracing unusual, daring, and sometimes eccentric characters.