Actor Udo Keir dead at 81

Legendary German actor Udo Keir has passed away at the age of 81. 

The news of his demise was confirmed by his romantic partner, Delbert McBride.

Udo's passing marked a halt to his legendary sixty-year-long career in the industry, delivering more than 200 horror and arthouse films.

His name rose to prominence in the early 1970s for his work in the films Flesh for Frankenstein (1973) and Blood for Dracula(1974).

His roles in the iconic films set his identity around being a "cult star", giving him his unique personality on-screen. 

His work in Europe specifically gave his career a strong push after collaborating with Rainer Werner Fassbinder on films such as The Stationmaster’s Wife, The Third Generation and Lili Marleen.

Udo also got to meet Gus Van Sant during the Berlin Film Festival, which changed everything for him once again. 

That meeting helped him get his U.S. work permit and his SAG card, opening the door to Hollywood and new roles.

His entry into Hollywood was made with his film My Own Private Idaho in 1991, where he starred alongside River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves. 

Udo took memorable roles in big studio films as well. His fans usually associate his name with Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Armageddon, and Blade.

The actor was once questioned about his reason for choosing acting, to which he responded, “I liked the attention, so I became an actor.”

Udo passed away on November 23, 2025, at the age of 81, sealing his name into the history of cinema and horror as unforgettable.