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.
PAT ON THE BACK: Long-time supporting actor Udo Kier is getting the best reviews of his career for playing hairdresser Mr Pat in @SwanSongFilm and now he’s only after leading roles. pic.twitter.com/4dmiD4O9LR
— AP Entertainment (@APEntertainment) August 11, 2021
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.”
RIP Udo Kier ♥️.
Here’s his classic scene from “My Own Private Idaho” (1991), where he sings his own 1985 song “Der Adler” pic.twitter.com/rdr3fuwHq8
— Trent ⚡ (@GrowthHubX) November 24, 2025
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 will talk about my life in detail, which they can tape record, then write it up as a book.”
At the time of publication, no memoir about Kier’s life and career has been announced.
Udo Kier Appeared in Some of Madonna’s Music Videos
While film acting was his passion, Kier also appeared in different media, including several of Madonna‘s music videos. He starred in the videos for “Erotica” and “Deeper and Deeper.” In 1992, Kier collaborated with Madonna again by appearing in photos in her book Sex.
