Photo credit: Udo Kier

German cult icon Udo Kier, celebrated for his unforgettable presence in both horror and arthouse cinema, has passed away at 81 years old. His partner, Delbert McBride, confirmed that Kier died on November 23, 2025 in a hospital in Palm Springs, California. No cause of death has been made public.

Kier’s career spanned more than six decades, with over 200 film credits to his name. He first captured global attention through his striking roles in Flesh for Frankenstein (1973) and Blood for Dracula (1974), performances that helped define his signature blend of intensity, elegance, and eccentric charm.

Beyond his cult-horror fame, Kier became a favorite among visionary directors. He appeared in films by Andy Warhol, Lars von Trier, Gus Van Sant, and Rainer Werner Fassbinder, bringing his magnetic, often haunting screen presence to every project. Even in his later years, he continued to work actively, with one of his most recent projects being The Secret Agent.

Born Udo Kierspe in Cologne, Germany in 1944, Kier moved to London at 18 to pursue acting—a leap that ultimately shaped one of cinema’s most distinctive careers. He later settled in Palm Springs, where he lived for many years with his partner, McBride.

Though details surrounding his passing remain private, fans, filmmakers, and fellow actors around the world continue to honor his legacy. With hundreds of roles and countless iconic moments on screen, Udo Kier leaves behind a body of work that will inspire and intrigue for generations to come.