Udo Kier, beloved actor and Palm Springs resident, dies at 81
KESQ News Team
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Udo Kier, the legendary German actor and cult film icon, has died at 81, his partner, artist Delbert McBride, confirmed to Variety.
According to multiple reports, Kier died Sunday morning in Palm Springs.
Kier worked with some of the biggest names in art and film, from Andy Warhol to Lars von Trier to Madonna. He appeared in over 200 films, but he’s best known for his work with Warhol, starring in 1973’s “Flesh for Frankenstein” and 1974’s “Blood for Dracula.”
He later gained fame across Europe working with filmmaker Rainer Werner Fassbinder and began a long collaboration with Lars von Trier, appearing in films including “Breaking the Waves,” “Dancer in the Dark,” “Dogville,” and “Melancholia.”
Kier also appeared in Hollywood films like “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” “Armageddon,” and “Blade.” His most recent film was “The Secret Agent,” which earned Wagner Moura the best actor award at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
He most recently appeared earlier this year for his work in the film ‘Schindler Space Architect.’
Born Udo Kierspe in Cologne, Germany, Kier eventually settled in Los Angeles and Palm Springs.
In Palm Springs, he became a well-known and beloved local figure. He cultivated his passion for art, architecture, and collecting, often attending gallery openings and cultural events in the area.
Kier was a regular at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, where he was warmly received by fans and fellow filmmakers, and he embraced the community’s creative and vibrant spirit.
Joint statement from Lili Rodriguez, PSIFF Artistic Director and Alissa Simon, PSIFF Chief of Programming.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Udo Kier, a singular and unforgettable presence in world cinema and a beloved friend of the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Udo was one of those artists whose presence at the festival made other filmmakers light up. He was truly magnetic.
This year, we were planning to welcome Udo back for Bad Painter in our German Focus, as well as for his Gateway Cinema selection, Lars Von Trier’s Medea, a film he chose with real excitement to share with our audience, and with The Secret Agent. Director Kleber Mendonça Filho first met Udo at our FIlm Awards Gala, and it sparked a wonderful creative collaboration.
We will miss him deeply and are grateful for every moment he shared with us, on the screen and at the festival.”
Kier’s cause of death is unknown at this time.
He is survived by his partner, artist Delbert McBride.