Udo Kier, the German actor known for an array of films, passed away this week at age 81. Kier was known for movies such as Suspiria, Flesh for Frankenstein, Blade, My Own Private Idaho, Shadow of a Vampire, and many, many more.

With over 280 acting credits to his name, Kier had a range of fans.
In fact, many loved the actor for his roles in video games. Kier was also known to many for playing Lord Yuri in the Command & Conquer series.

Kier's next big gaming role was set to be in Hideo Kojima’s highly anticipated game, OD.
Jordan Peele co-wrote the game and was going to star Kier alongside Sophia Lillis and Hunter Schafer. Unfortunately, filming was delayed until 2026, which means Kier was unable to start the role.
Hideo Kojima pays tribute to Udo Kier:
Kojima took to social media this week to express his sadness over Kier's passing.
"I’m at a loss for words. It all happened far too suddenly," Kojima wrote on Twitter. "Because of the strike, we weren’t able to shoot 'OD' for a long time, and we were forced to reschedule to next year. Even during that time, Udo and I exchanged emails frequently. We stayed in close contact."
"When we met in Milan at the end of September, he told me how much he was looking forward to the shoot starting up again next year," he continued. "He was full of energy then too, making me laugh with his usual 'Udo-isms.' I still can’t believe this. Udo wasn’t just an actor. He was truly an 'icon' of his time. We’ve lost a great 'icon.' There will never be another like him. Udo, rest in peace. I will never forget you."
I’m at a loss for words. It all happened far too suddenly.
— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) November 24, 2025
Because of the strike, we weren’t able to shoot “OD” for a long time, and we were forced to reschedule to next year. Even during that time, Udo and I exchanged emails frequently. We stayed in close contact. When we met in… pic.twitter.com/aRpP1i38CE
Fans pay tribute to Udo Kier
Hideo Kojima isn't the only person to share kind words about Kier. Many fans and celebrities have taken to social media to pay their respects to the actor.
"What a face, what utter magnetism, a great force on the silver screen," director Edgar Wright tweeted.
The legendary Udo Kier has sadly passed. That first still from Blood for Dracula (AKA Andy Warhol’s Dracula) mesmerised me in the pages of Danny Peary’s Cult Movies 2.
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) November 24, 2025
He immediately entered a cinema hall of fame for me with his roles in that film, Flesh for Frankenstein, and… pic.twitter.com/KLdv62RRaN
"Always a scene stealer," one fan wrote on Reddit.

"He always gave 100% in every role. Absolute legend," another wrote.

"Arguably (barely) the greatest character actor in the history of film," one fan tweeted.
"One of our most unique character actors," a fan said while recommending Swan Song.
Lots of things will be said about Udo Kier in the coming days, but I hope folks use this time to seek out his work in SWAN SONG, a delicate, hilarious tribute to queer elders that was an incredible late career vehicle for one of our most unique character actors. https://t.co/dLzknVFT1V pic.twitter.com/eaww0KqVI0
— The Testament of Mattie Supreme (@cinemattie) November 24, 2025
Finally, here's a sweet video posted with Kier just two months ago.
With Udo Kier. pic.twitter.com/6tdXYLY8aW
— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) September 26, 2025
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