Actor Udo Kier Passes Away at 81

Udo Kier died on Sunday morning at the age of 81.

Starting his journey in European cinema, Kier quickly made a name for himself in Hollywood, especially after co-starring with Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix in *My Own Private Idaho*. Over a career spanning decades, he amassed over 250 credits, including a notable collaboration with director Lars von Trier during the late 1980s.

Regarded as a cult icon, Kier worked with well-known figures like Andy Warhol and Madonna before stepping back from the limelight. His partner, Delbert McBride, confirmed Kier’s passing to Variety.

Michael Childers, a photographer and long-time friend, announced on Facebook that Kier passed away at Eisenhower Hospital in Palm Springs, California. However, he did not provide any specifics about the cause of death.

Kier’s filmography includes notable works like *Flesh for Frankenstein* (1973) and *Blood for Dracula* (1974), both directed by Paul Morrissey and produced by Warhol.

Other significant titles in which he starred are *The Third Generation*, *Lili Marleen*, *The Stationmaster’s Wife*, *Epidemic*, *Europa*, *Breaking the Waves*, *Dancer in the Dark*, *Dogville*, *Melancholia*, and *Nymphomaniac: Vol. II*.

Additionally, he appeared in major Hollywood films such as *Ace Ventura: Pet Detective* and *Armageddon*.

Kier even featured in Madonna’s 1992 book *Sex* and was part of the music videos for “Erotica” and “Deeper and Deeper” from her *Erotica* album.

His final role was in the political thriller *The Secret Agent*, portraying a Jewish Holocaust survivor. Friends and fans have been paying tribute to his impressive legacy in film, sharing heartfelt messages on social media.