Who Was Udo Kier? 5 Things to Know About the German Actor Who Died at 81

Udo Kier left behind a legacy in the entertainment business.The late 81-year-old, famous for his performances in 1973’s Flesh for Frankenstein and 1974’s Blood for Dracula, died on November 23, 2025.

Renowned for his ambition and lengthy portfolio of work, the late Cologne, Germany, native’s partner, Delbert McBride, confirmed his death.Below, Hollywood Life is remembering Kier for his life and career.

Here are five facts about him.Udo Kier Wasn’t His Real Name Kier was actually born with the name Udo Kierspe.

He went by “Kier” as a stage name.Udo Kier Was Born in Germany During World War II The late Ace Ventura: Pet Detective star was born at the height of World War II in 1944 in Cologne, Germany.

Bombings had struck the hospital hours after his mother had given birth to him.They both had to be rescued from the rubble, Kier told The Guardian in 2002.

Udo Kier Never Hid His Sexuality As an openly gay man, Kier said he never tried to hide his sexuality.During a 2021 interview with The Bay Area Reporter, Kier said “no one ever asked” about his personal life.

“Maybe it was obvious, but it didn’t make any difference because all that mattered was the role I was playing,” he explained.“As long as I did a good job on the part, no one cared about my sexuality.” Udo Wanted a Memoir About His Life After He Died During that same 2021 interview, Kier revealed he wanted to write a memoir but didn’t want it published until after his death.

“Yes, I do want to write a memoir, but it won’t come out until after I’m dead,” he noted.“Any money made on the book will go to the AIDS Foundation.

I couldn’t release it now because I don’t want to lie.I will tell the truth.

You can go on the Internet and watch all the documentaries that have been made about me.Now, I won’t sit down and actually type it, but I know two or three intelligent journalists very well.

I will invite them to spend a few days with me.I wil...