Udo Kier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Udo Kier
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Kier in 2018
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| Born |
Udo Kierspe
14 October 1944 Cologne, Germany
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| Died | 23 November 2025 Palm Springs, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1966–2025 |
Udo Kier (born Udo Kierspe on October 14, 1944, and who passed away on November 23, 2025) was a German actor. He was known for playing many different kinds of characters, often unique and memorable ones. He acted in over 220 films across Europe and the Americas, taking on both main and supporting roles. Udo Kier worked with many famous directors like Lars von Trier, Gus Van Sant, and Werner Herzog.
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Early Life
Udo Kier was born on October 14, 1944, in Cologne, Germany. This was during the final part of World War II. The hospital where he was born was bombed shortly after his birth, and he and his mother had to be rescued from the rubble. He grew up without a father. As a young boy, he was an altar boy and sang in the church choir. When he was 18, he moved to London, England, to learn English.
Acting Career
Udo Kier began his acting career in 1966 with a lead role in the film Road to Saint Tropez. He became well-known for his roles in many films, including some horror movies and vampire stories like Blade (1998) and Shadow of the Vampire (2000). Udo Kier also worked with many respected directors, such as Gus Van Sant and Dario Argento. He appeared in many films by director Lars von Trier, starting with Epidemic in 1987.
In Hollywood, he was known for roles like Ron Camp in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994), a NASA flight psychologist in Armageddon, and the villain Lorenzini in The Adventures of Pinocchio (1996). Udo Kier also appeared in music videos for popular artists, including Madonna's song "Deeper and Deeper". He also appeared in music videos for Korn and Eve with Gwen Stefani.
Voice Acting Roles
Udo Kier also lent his voice to many characters in video games and animated TV shows. He was the voice of the psychic Yuri in the video games Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 and Yuri's Revenge. For television, he voiced the Music Master in Justice League, Herbert Ziegler in The Batman, and Professor Pericles in Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated. He also voiced Mister Toad in Beware the Batman and Dr. Peter Straub in the video game Call of Duty: WWII.
Documentaries About Udo Kier
Two documentaries have been made about Udo Kier's life and career. The first, titled ICH-UDO...der Schauspieler Udo Kier (ME –UDO...the actor Udo Kier), was released in 2012 and won an award at the New York Festival. Another documentary, Udo Kier - Dracula trash et dandy magnétique, was released in 2024 to celebrate his 80th birthday.
Personal Life and Passing
Udo Kier lived in Palm Springs, California, starting in 1991.
Udo Kier passed away on November 23, 2025, in a hospital in Palm Springs. He was 81 years old.
Images for kids
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Kier in Flesh for Frankenstein
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Kier at a press conference for Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot in 2018
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See also
In Spanish: Udo Kier para niños
