The death of veteran actor Udo Kier has drawn attention across the film industry and beyond, with tributes emerging from longtime collaborators. Among them is game creator Hideo Kojima, who shared personal reflections on Kier following news of his passing at age 81. The acclaimed actor’s legacy spans decades of international cinema, now underscored by his recent involvement in Kojima’s upcoming project, OD.
Udo Kier passes away at 81; Hideo Kojima pays tribute to Udo Kier
German actor Udo Kier died on Sunday at the age of 81, according to his partner, artist Delbert McBride. Kier appeared in over 200 films during a career that spanned decades and included collaborations with directors such as Andy Warhol, Lars von Trier, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, and Gus Van Sant.
Hideo Kojima took to Instagram to pay tribute the actor, writing, “I’m at a loss for words. It all happened far too suddenly.” He added that Kier “wasn’t just an actor” and was a true “icon of his time.” Kojima concluded, “Udo, rest in peace. I will never forget you.”
Kier rose to international prominence 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. 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. Kier’s other work with von Trier includes Breaking the Waves, Dancer in the Dark, Dogville, Melancholia, and Nymphomaniac.
His Hollywood roles in the 1990s included appearances in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Armageddon, and Blade. Kier 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.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on ComingSoon.
