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Udo Kier

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Udo Kier

Udo Kierspe (14 October 1944 – 23 November 2025), known professionally as Udo Kier, was a German actor. Known primarily as a character actor who often portrayed eccentric and deviant figures, he appeared in more than 220 films in both leading and supporting roles throughout Europe and the Americas. Kier made his breakthrough playing the title characters in the cult films Flesh for Frankenstein (1973) and Blood for Dracula (1974), both directed by Paul Morrissey, which established him as an icon of the horror film genre. He became a staple figure in both mainstream genre film and art house circles, described by one obituary as a "cult icon". He collaborated with notable filmmakers such as Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Lars von Trier, Gus Van Sant, Werner Herzog, Walerian Borowczyk, Kleber Mendonça Filho, Dario Argento, Guy Maddin, Alexander Payne, E. Elias Merhige, and Barry Sonnenfeld. He received several international accolades, including an nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead, for his elegiac performance in Swan Song (2021). Openly gay throughout his career, he received a Special Teddy Award at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival in 2015.

Infobox

Born
Udo Kierspe(1944-10-14)14 October 1944 Cologne, Gau Cologne-Aachen, Nazi Germany(present-day North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany)
Died
23 November 2025(2025-11-23) (aged 81)Rancho Mirage, California, U.S.
Occupation
Actor
Years active
1966–2025

Tables

· Filmography › Film
1970
Role(s)
Count Christian von Meruh
1972
Role(s)
Anton
1973
Role(s)
Baron von Frankenstein
1974
Role(s)
Count Dracula
1975
Role(s)
Raimund
Role(s)
René
1976
Role(s)
Paul Martin
Role(s)
Werner
1977
Role(s)
Dr. Frank Mandel
Notes
Uncredited
1978
Role(s)
Peter Dümmel
1979
Role(s)
Edgar Gast
Role(s)
Poór
1980
Role(s)
Laci Tóth
1981
Role(s)
Dr. Henry Jekyll
Role(s)
Waiter
Notes
Uncredited; also production designer
Role(s)
Drewitz
1983
Role(s)
Fromm
1984
Role(s)
Gay Man on Street
Notes
Uncredited
1985
1987
Role(s)
Himself
1990
Role(s)
Jonny
Notes
Also assistant director
1991
Role(s)
Hans
Role(s)
Lawrence Hartmann
1993
Role(s)
Salon Manager
Role(s)
Mr. Himmelman
Role(s)
Commercial Director
1994
Role(s)
Ron Camp
1995
Role(s)
Max Skladanowsky
Role(s)
Ralfi
Role(s)
Killer
1996
Role(s)
Curly
Role(s)
Sadistic Sailor
Lea
Role(s)
Block
Role(s)
Lorenzini
1997
Role(s)
Zoltan Kovacs
Role(s)
Sligon
1998
Role(s)
Psychologist
Role(s)
Gitano Dragonetti
1999
Role(s)
Dr. Abel
Role(s)
Ivan Bliniak
Role(s)
Ludwig
Role(s)
Madame Flambeau / Lorenzini
Notes
Direct-to-video
2000
Role(s)
Albin Grau
Role(s)
Dr. Porkorny
Role(s)
Walter Lert
2001
Role(s)
Samson
Role(s)
Count Helldorf
Role(s)
The Guardian
Role(s)
General Landssdorf
Role(s)
Grand Master
Role(s)
Doc
2002
Role(s)
Polidori
2003
Role(s)
The Man in the Coat
Role(s)
Radley
2004
Role(s)
Derrick
Role(s)
Jargos Vater
Role(s)
Reverend Cain
Role(s)
Max Jacob
Role(s)
George
Notes
Direct-to-video
Role(s)
Heinrich
2005
Role(s)
Rev. Karl Hartman
Role(s)
Mr. Kirspe
Role(s)
Regal Monk
2006
Role(s)
Edouard Leopold Edu
Role(s)
Klaus
Role(s)
Dr. Lawerence
2007
Role(s)
Picasso Killer / Aaron Garvey
Notes
Also associate producer
Role(s)
Franz Hess
Notes
Segment: "Werewolf Women of the SS"
Role(s)
Morgan Walker
Role(s)
Father Johannes
Role(s)
Klaus Kayman
2008
Role(s)
Dr. Lucas Krieger
2009
Role(s)
Schultz
Role(s)
Herr Jung
Role(s)
Ivan Bahn
Notes
Voice
2010
Role(s)
Tabatabai
2011
Role(s)
Dr. Lemke
Role(s)
Wedding Planner
Role(s)
Peg Poett
2012
Role(s)
Wolfgang Kortzfleisch
2013
Role(s)
The Waiter
2014
Role(s)
The Real Fritz Bruchschnauser
Notes
Direct-to-video
Role(s)
Dr. Casini
2015
Role(s)
Mr. Morrow (Therapist)
Role(s)
Count Yugh / The Butler / The Dead Father / Guard / Pharmacist
2017
Role(s)
Joris Konrad
Role(s)
Placid Man
2018
Role(s)
Mr. Van Der Hoek
Role(s)
Bruno
Role(s)
André Toulon
Role(s)
Friedrich
Role(s)
Frederick
2019
Role(s)
Anton
Role(s)
Wolfgang Kortzfleisch
Role(s)
Henry
Role(s)
Michael
Role(s)
Miller
Role(s)
Dr. Otto Kroll
2020
Role(s)
Ivan
2021
Role(s)
Lained
Role(s)
Pat Pitsenbarger
2022
Role(s)
Mr. Herzog
2025
Role(s)
Aldo Fabbri
Role(s)
Hans
Year
Title
Role
Notes
1970
Mark of the Devil
Count Christian von Meruh
1972
The Salzburg Connection
Anton
1973
Flesh for Frankenstein
Baron von Frankenstein
1974
Blood for Dracula
Count Dracula
1975
The Last Word
Raimund
Story of O
René
1976
Exposé
Paul Martin
Spermula
Werner
1977
Suspiria
Dr. Frank Mandel
Uncredited
1978
The Fifth Commandment
Peter Dümmel
1979
The Third Generation
Edgar Gast
Hungarian Rhapsody
Poór
1980
Narcissus and Psyche
Laci Tóth
1981
Docteur Jekyll et les femmes
Dr. Henry Jekyll
Lola
Waiter
Uncredited; also production designer
Lili Marleen
Drewitz
1983
The Roaring Fifties
Fromm
1984
Moscow on the Hudson
Gay Man on Street
Uncredited
1985
Seduction: The Cruel Woman
Gregor
1987
Epidemic
Himself
1990
The German Chainsaw Massacre
Jonny
Also assistant director
1991
My Own Private Idaho
Hans
Europa
Lawrence Hartmann
1993
Josh and S.A.M.
Salon Manager
For Love or Money
Mr. Himmelman
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues
Commercial Director
1994
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
Ron Camp
1995
A Trick of Light
Max Skladanowsky
Johnny Mnemonic
Ralfi
Over My Dead Body
Killer
1996
Barb Wire
Curly
Breaking the Waves
Sadistic Sailor
Lea
Block
The Adventures of Pinocchio
Lorenzini
1997
The End of Violence
Zoltan Kovacs
Prince Valiant
Sligon
1998
Armageddon
Psychologist
There's No Fish Food in Heaven
Rocky
Blade
Gitano Dragonetti
1999
End of Days
Dr. Abel
Spy Games
Ivan Bliniak
The Debtors
Under the Palms
Ludwig
The New Adventures of Pinocchio
Madame Flambeau / Lorenzini
Direct-to-video
2000
Shadow of the Vampire
Albin Grau
Dancer in the Dark
Dr. Porkorny
Just One Night
Walter Lert
2001
Critical Mass
Samson
Invincible
Count Helldorf
· Filmography › Television
1973
Role(s)
Harry Gätjens
Notes
Episode: "Kassensturz um Mitternacht"
1980
Role(s)
Young Man in the Bar
Notes
2 episodes
1986
Role(s)
Uli Weber
Notes
Episode: "Ein König ohne Reich"
Role(s)
Holger
Notes
Episode: "Adieu Claire"
1988
Role(s)
Jason
Notes
Television film
1993
Role(s)
Fashion Designer
Notes
Episode: "Runaway"
Role(s)
Dr. Guy Peche
Notes
Episode: "Give me Liberté"
1994
Role(s)
König
Notes
Episode: "Feuerzauber"
1994–97, 2022
Role(s)
The Kingdom
Notes
Åge Krüger/Frederik/Little Brother/Big Brother
1996
Role(s)
Klaus
Notes
Episode: "Death"
Role(s)
Wolfgang Herzog
Notes
Episode: "Aloha Nash"
1996, 1999
Role(s)
The Sentinel
Notes
Klaus Zeller
1996, 2009
Role(s)
Tatort
Notes
Beethoven, Hans-Rudi Dreher
1998
Role(s)
Erich Geiger
Notes
Episode: "Double Team"
Role(s)
Viktor Balek
Notes
Episode: "What to Do with Vallery When You're Deam"
Role(s)
Vincent
Notes
Television film
Ice
Role(s)
Dr. Norman Kistler
Notes
Television film
1999
Role(s)
Reddick, Train Control Supervisor
Notes
Television film
2002
Role(s)
Music Master
Notes
Voice, episode: "Legends"
2004
Role(s)
Bert
Notes
Voice, episode: "Q&A"
Role(s)
Captain Varna
Notes
Television film
2005
Role(s)
Bellinger
Notes
Episode: "Cigarette Burns"
2006
Role(s)
Heinrich Zermahlen
Notes
Episode: "Mit anderen Augen"
2010
Role(s)
Otto Van Vogel
Notes
Episode: "Chuck Versus the Role Models"
2010–13
Role(s)
Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated
Notes
Professor Pericles (voice)
2011
Role(s)
Pope Innocent VIII
Notes
3 episodes
2013–14
Role(s)
Beware the Batman
Notes
Mister Toad (voice)
2015
Role(s)
Rauchensteiner / Rolf / Father
Notes
9 episodes
Role(s)
Warden (voice)
Notes
Episode: "Heads Will Roll"
Role(s)
Head Vampire Vampire (voice)
Notes
Episode: "Vampire Weekend"
Role(s)
Dylan Beekler's Backpack (voice)
Notes
Episode: "Pilot"
2017
Role(s)
Admiral Codi
Notes
Episode: "Storm: A Star Wars Indie"
2019
Role(s)
Mann im Fuchspelz
Notes
6 episodes
2022
Role(s)
Klaus
Notes
2 episodes
2023
Role(s)
Adolf Hitler
Notes
6 episodes
Year
Title
Role
Notes
1973
Sonderdezernat K1
Harry Gätjens
Episode: "Kassensturz um Mitternacht"
1980
Berlin Alexanderplatz
Young Man in the Bar
2 episodes
1986
Der Fahnder
Uli Weber
Episode: "Ein König ohne Reich"
Kir Royal – Aus dem Leben eines Klatschreporters
Holger
Episode: "Adieu Claire"
1988
Medea
Jason
Television film
1993
Red Shoe Diaries
Fashion Designer
Episode: "Runaway"
Seaquest DSV
Dr. Guy Peche
Episode: "Give me Liberté"
1994
Doppelter Einsatz
König
Episode: "Feuerzauber"
1994–97, 2022
The Kingdom
Åge Krüger/Frederik/Little Brother/Big Brother
8 episodes
1996
Tracey Takes On...
Klaus
Episode: "Death"
Nash Bridges
Wolfgang Herzog
Episode: "Aloha Nash"
1996, 1999
The Sentinel
Klaus Zeller
2 episodes
1996, 2009
Tatort
Beethoven, Hans-Rudi Dreher
2 episodes
1998
Viper
Erich Geiger
Episode: "Double Team"
V.I.P.
Viktor Balek
Episode: "What to Do with Vallery When You're Deam"
Modern Vampires
Vincent
Television film
Ice
Dr. Norman Kistler
Television film
1999
Final Run
Reddick, Train Control Supervisor
Television film
2002
Justice League
Music Master
Voice, episode: "Legends"
2004
The Batman
Bert
Voice, episode: "Q&A"
Dracula 3000
Captain Varna
Television film
2005
Masters of Horror
Bellinger
Episode: "Cigarette Burns"
2006
Polizeiruf 110
Heinrich Zermahlen
Episode: "Mit anderen Augen"
2010
Chuck
Otto Van Vogel
Episode: "Chuck Versus the Role Models"
2010–13
Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated
Professor Pericles (voice)
17 episodes
2011
Borgia
Pope Innocent VIII
3 episodes
2013–14
Beware the Batman
Mister Toad (voice)
4 episodes
2015
Altes Geld
Rauchensteiner / Rolf / Father
9 episodes
Axe Cop
Warden (voice)
Episode: "Heads Will Roll"
Major Lazer
Head Vampire Vampire (voice)
Episode: "Vampire Weekend"
Golan the Insatiable
Dylan Beekler's Backpack (voice)
Episode: "Pilot"
2017
Funny or Die Presents
Admiral Codi
Episode: "Storm: A Star Wars Indie"
2019
M - Eine Stadt sucht einen Morder
Mann im Fuchspelz
6 episodes
2022
Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin
Klaus
2 episodes
2023
Hunters
Adolf Hitler
6 episodes
· Filmography › Video games
1996
Role(s)
Lorenzini (voice)
2000
Role(s)
Yuri / PsyCorps
Notes
Live action inserts
2008
2017
Role(s)
Dr. Peter Straub (voice)
Notes
Voice role
2022
Role(s)
Erich (voice)
Notes
Voice role
TBA
Role(s)
OD
Notes
TBA
Year
Title
Role
Notes
1996
The Adventures of Pinocchio
Lorenzini (voice)
2000
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2
Yuri / PsyCorps
Live action inserts
2001
Command & Conquer: Yuri's Revenge
Yuri
2008
1 1/2 Knights: In Search of the Ravishing Princess Herzelinde
Count Luipold Trumpf (voice)
2017
Call of Duty: WWII
Dr. Peter Straub (voice)
Voice role
2022
Martha is Dead
Erich (voice)
Voice role
TBA
OD
TBA
· Filmography › Music videos
1992
1992
Year
1992
Song
"Erotica"
Artist
Madonna
Role
Partyguest
"Deeper and Deeper"
"Deeper and Deeper"
Year
"Deeper and Deeper"
Song
Lover
1996
1996
Year
1996
Song
"Naked"
Artist
Goo Goo Dolls
Role
Himself
1997
1997
Year
1997
Song
"You Win, I Lose"
Artist
Supertramp
Role
Partyguest
1999
1999
Year
1999
Song
"Die Schöne und das Biest"
Artist
Rauhfaser
Role
Der Freier
2000
2000
Year
2000
Song
"Make Me Bad"
Artist
Korn
Role
Commander
2001
2001
Year
2001
Song
"Let Me Blow Ya Mind"
Artist
Eve featuring Gwen Stefani
Role
Partyguest
2001
2001
Year
2001
Song
"Deep Down Below"
Artist
RMB
Role
Dr. Wagner
2012
2012
Year
2012
Song
"Prayer"
Artist
Terranova
Role
Himself - Musician
Year
Song
Artist
Role
1992
"Erotica"
Madonna
Partyguest
"Deeper and Deeper"
Lover
1996
"Naked"
Goo Goo Dolls
Himself
1997
"You Win, I Lose"
Supertramp
Partyguest
1999
"Die Schöne und das Biest"
Rauhfaser
Der Freier
2000
"Make Me Bad"
Korn
Commander
2001
"Let Me Blow Ya Mind"
Eve featuring Gwen Stefani
Partyguest
2001
"Deep Down Below"
RMB
Dr. Wagner
2012
"Prayer"
Terranova
Himself - Musician

References

  1. My Own Private Idaho
    https://variety.com/2025/film/news/udo-kier-dead-own-private-idaho-andy-warhol-frankenstein-1236590259/
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    https://ew.com/udo-kier-dead-german-actor-my-own-private-idaho-was-81-11855470
  3. The Guardian
    https://www.theguardian.com/film/movie/91375/invincible
  4. "Lulu France 1980"
    http://walerianborowczyk.com/en/portfolio_page/lulufrance-1980/
  5. "Udo Kier: 10 Of His Weirdest And Wildest Horror Roles"
    https://www.fangoria.com/udo-kier-10-of-his-weirdest-and-wildest-horror-roles/
  6. "For Love Or Money"
    https://www.austinchronicle.com/screens/for-love-or-money-12004137/
  7. Role in "Epidemic" and DVD commentary from Lars von Trier
  8. The Guardian
    https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2002/apr/16/artsfeatures
  9. The Guardian
    https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/apr/11/udo-kier-i-like-the-film-its-very-brutal
  10. Collider
    https://collider.com/udo-kier-interview-m-a-city-hunts-a-murderer/
  11. Movie Pilot
    http://www.moviepilot.de/news/udo-kier-von-andy-warhol-zu-den-space-nazis-115142
  12. DER STANDARD
    https://www.derstandard.at/story/2000014943268/udo-kier-vor-der-linse
  13. TZ
    https://www.tz.de/stars/schauspieler-kier-ueber-seine-wilde-zeit-fassbinder-tz-2375464.html
  14. Iconvsicon.com
    http://www.iconvsicon.com/2012/08/26/interview-with-an-icon-udo-kier-discusses-his-career-and-latest-projects/
  15. GreenCine Daily
    https://web.archive.org/web/20130509183054/http://daily.greencine.com/archives/008113.html#more
  16. The A.V. Club
    https://www.avclub.com/udo-kier-1798223583
  17. Filmsandtv.com
    https://web.archive.org/web/20070614140136/http://filmsandtv.com/movies/udokier.php
  18. Zap2it
    https://web.archive.org/web/20121014072149/http://movies.zap2it.com/movies/armageddon/21422
  19. Film School Rejects
    https://web.archive.org/web/20120411132251/http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/movies-we-love-armageddon-april-fools.php
  20. Madonna as Postmodern Myth
  21. "'Metropia' Press Conference at Tribeca"
    https://thefilmstage.com/metropia-press-conference-at-tribeca/
  22. "Axe Cop"
    https://www.wunschliste.de/serie/axe-cop
  23. "Major Lazer"
    https://www.wunschliste.de/serie/major-lazer
  24. "Golan the Insatiable"
    https://www.wunschliste.de/serie/golan-the-insatiable
  25. Behind The Voice Actors
    https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Udo-Kier/
  26. IGN
    https://www.ign.com/articles/udo-kier-the-german-actor-who-played-yuri-in-command-and-conquer-red-alert-and-was-set-to-star-in-od-dies-aged-81-hideo-kojima-says-there-will-never-be-another-like-him
  27. "HIDEO_KOJIMA on X"
    https://x.com/HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN/status/1992785286712209409
  28. reelisor
    https://web.archive.org/web/20131021105457/http://www.reelisor.com/p/my_life_udo_kier/
  29. New York Festivals
    https://web.archive.org/web/20200125015404/http://www.newyorkfestivals.com/winners/2013/pieces.php?iid=446477&pid=1
  30. SensCritique
    https://www.senscritique.com/film/udo_kier_dracula_trash_et_dandy_magnetique/101250593
  31. The Bay Area Reporter
    https://www.ebar.com/arts_&_culture/movies//307558
  32. GQ Germany
    https://www.gq-magazin.de/entertainment/artikel/udo-kier-gq-titelstory
  33. kvue.com
    https://www.kvue.com/article/syndication/associatedpress/udo-kier-striking-german-actor-from-my-own-private-idaho-and-ace-ventura-dies-at-81/616-8a00eb4d-ff71-4ac2-b53e-65e61e173bbb
  34. "I Die With Open Eyes: Udo Kier on Iron Sky"
    http://www.craveonline.com/film/interviews/197083-i-die-with-open-eyes-udo-kier-on-iron-sky
  35. "Udo Kier | Actor | Hollywood"
    http://www.palmspringslife.com/Palm-Springs-Life/August-2007/Udo-Kier-A-Brighter-Side-of-Darkness
  36. "ACADEMY INVITES 819 TO MEMBERSHIP | Oscars.org | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences"
    https://www.oscars.org/news/academy-invites-819-membership
  37. The Hollywood Reporter
    https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/udo-kier-dead-my-own-private-idaho-lars-von-trier-1236434522/
  38. Ace Ventura
    https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/nov/24/udo-kier-german-actor-dies-aged-81
  39. "Udo Kier (visual voices guide)"
    http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Udo-Kier/
  40. Eurogamer.de
    https://www.eurogamer.de/udo-kier-ist-tot-er-war-yuri-in-cc-alarmstufe-rot-2-und-sollte-in-kojimas-od-mitspielen
  41. The Express Tribune
    https://tribune.com.pk/story/2578852/udo-kier-my-own-private-idaho-star-and-call-of-duty-voice-actor-dies-at-81
  42. Bloody Disgusting
    https://bloody-disgusting.com/video-games/3685374/trailer-udo-kier-joins-martha-is-dead-cast-new-time-limited-demo-available-today/
  43. Metro
    https://metro.co.uk/2025/08/08/microsoft-kills-another-xbox-exclusive-hideo-kojimas-od-still-alive-23862965/
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