German actor Udo Kier, celebrated for his intense screen presence and more than 200 film roles across Hollywood and European cinema, has died at the age of 81. He passed away in a hospital in Palm Springs, California, according to his partner. Kier’s career spanned six decades, and he gained global recognition for his unforgettable performances in films such as My Own Private Idaho, Blade, Dogville, and Armageddon.
Known for his distinctive stare, Kier often portrayed dark and complex characters, including villains and supernatural figures. His breakout performance came in the 1970 horror film Mark of the Devil, which launched a prolific career shaped by chance encounters and collaborations with major filmmakers including Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Gus Van Sant, and Lars von Trier. He appeared repeatedly in von Trier’s projects, forming one of the longest-running actor-director partnerships in modern European cinema.
Kier’s versatility extended beyond film. He featured in television, music videos for artists like Madonna and Korn, and even video games. His Hollywood roles in the 1990s—such as Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and End of Days—introduced him to wider audiences, often in memorable scene-stealing moments. Late in his career, he took on leading roles, including in the acclaimed film Swan Song.
Kier’s final completed work is the political thriller The Secret Agent, and he is set to appear posthumously in the upcoming horror video game OD. His legacy lives on through a body of work defined by bold choices, cinematic experimentation, and an unmistakable on-screen presence.