The cinema has lost one of its most unique icons: the German actor Udo Kier has passed away at the age of 81, as confirmed by his partner, Delbert McBride. With a career spanning more than five decades, Kier stood out as a key figure in cult cinema and in the realm of queer film, having left an indelible mark on both genres.
A great actor of underground and queer cinema
Kier, known for his collaborations with great directors such as Andy Warhol, Lars von Trier, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, and Gus Van Sant, built a remarkable filmography that spans from the New York underground of the 70s to Hollywood productions in the 90s. His magnetism and versatility allowed him to navigate between the perverse, the comedic, and the tragic, standing out in celebrated works such as Flesh for Frankenstein and Blood for Dracula, which catapulted him to fame as a cult cinema icon.
Collaborations with von Trier in films like Breaking the Waves and Melancholia provided her with the perfect space to explore her unsettling presence and her ability to portray eccentric characters without losing humanity. Kier also made her mark in Hollywood with roles in successful productions like Ace Ventura, Armageddon, and Blade. Throughout her career, her image became associated with the 90s, especially due to her work in Madonna’s music videos.
His only tweet, where he expressed his opinion that “movies should not be streamed on Netflix,” reflects his deep love for the classic cinematic experience. His death has sparked a wave of tributes on social media, highlighting his impact on cinema. Critics and colleagues remember him as “a giant of cinema” and a “true original” who transformed the landscape of independent film.
