'Blade' actor Udo Kier, who starred in 250+ films, dies at 81
Udo Kier, the unforgettable German actor with a knack for intense roles and a piercing gaze, has passed away at 81. He is survived by his partner, the artist Delbert McBride.
Over a career spanning more than half a century, Kier left his mark on films—ranging from cult favorites like "Flesh for Frankenstein" to Hollywood hits like "Blade" and "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective."
Who was Udo Kier?
Born in Cologne during World War II, Kier survived bombings as a baby and overcame a tough childhood.
He broke out in the '70s with Andy Warhol-produced horror classics and became known for teaming up with directors like Rainer Werner Fassbinder and Lars von Trier.
Moving to the US in the '90s, he kept reinventing himself—most recently earning praise for roles in "Swan Song" (2022) and "The Secret Agent" (2025).