Asger Risom
German actor Udo Kier — a cult icon whose career spanned nearly six decades across film, television, and video games — has died at 81.
German actor Udo Kier — a cult icon whose career spanned nearly six decades across film, television, and video games — has died at 81. His partner, Delbert McBride, confirmed Kier’s passing to Variety on Sunday. No cause of death has been shared.
A distinctive presence
Kier’s career began in the 1960s and quickly grew into one of the most prolific filmographies in European and American cinema. Known for his collaborations with Andy Warhol and his unforgettable roles in vampire and cult horror films, he became a fixture for fans of genre cinema.
Through the 1990s and 2000s, Kier appeared in mainstream titles such as Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Blade, and Johnny Mnemonic. His unmistakable voice and intensity made him a natural fit for video game roles as well, including Yuri in Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2, Dr. Peter Staub in Call of Duty: WWII, and Erich in Martha Is Dead.
A career that crossed into gaming
Kier’s influence extended beyond adaptations. He embraced the medium itself, working in games over multiple decades. His work in Call of Duty: WWII introduced him to a new generation of players, bringing his signature presence to one of the industry’s biggest franchises.
His involvement in Hideo Kojima’s next project, OD, was announced in 2023 alongside Hunter Schafer and Sophia Lillis. The Xbox Game Studios title received an early teaser this year, but production had not yet begun.
Kojima pays tribute
Following news of Kier’s death, Kojima wrote on X that filming for OD had been scheduled to begin in the spring, suggesting the actor had not yet completed — or possibly even started — his work on the project. It remains unclear whether Kojima Productions will recast the role or alter the story.
Kier leaves behind a legacy that bridged art-house cinema, blockbuster entertainment, and the world of interactive storytelling. With more than 200 credits to his name, he remained a singular force whose performances resonated across mediums.
Sources: Variety, Insider-gaming
