With that certain Germanic intensity, Udo Kier has etched out a career in film and TV spanning more than 50 years. He became a cult icon after meeting Paul Morrissey who cast him in Andy Warhol’s Flesh for Frankenstein.
Since then, Kier has become the ‘go to man’ for directors seeking a performer adept at playing immaculately dressed, refined psychopaths and downright monsters.
With his piercing gaze and clipped timbre, Kier is instantly recognisable for most film buffs.
Despite appearing in god-awful productions like Pamela Anderson’s Barb Wire, Udo is still very much in demand and his CV thus far highlights an adventurous spirit and a flexibility that allows him to move from arthouse to Z-grade trash without losing any dignity.
So here’s to you Herr Kier!
Reasons for Udo Kier’s Awesomeness
The first role as a gigolo in the film Road to St. Tropez.
Appeared alongside River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves in Gus Van Sant’s My Own Private Idaho.
Was born in Cologne, Germany 1944 – the hospital was bombed moments after his birth.
Appeared with actress Brigitte Nielsen in Korn’s ‘Make Me Bad’ video clip.
Is the godfather of director Lars von Trier’s daughter Agnes.
Loves horror movies, and has a particular fondness for playing vampire characters.
Udo's first hit film was Hexen bis aufs Blut gequält (Mark of the Devil). The film was promoted for being Rated V for Violence and it offered ticket buyers vomit bags on their way in.
Also appeared in Andy Warhol’s Blood for Dracula.
Was leader of the vampire aristocracy in Blade.
Memorable Quotes
Dragonetti (Blade): “I was born a vampire, as was every other member of this house. But you Frost... you were merely turned.”
Baron Frankenstein (Andy Warhol’s Flesh for Frankenstein): “To know death, Otto, you have to f**k life... in the gall bladder!”
Dracula (Andy Warhol’s Blood for Dracula): “The blood of these whores is killing me.”
Dr. Frank Mandel (Suspiria): “Bad luck isn’t brought by broken mirrors, but by broken minds.”