ISTANBUL

Udo Kier, a German actor known for his commanding screen presence and over 250 film roles spanning five decades, died on Sunday at the age of 81, Euronews reported.

He died in a California hospital, and the cause of death was not disclosed.

Kier, born in Cologne in 1944, established an international career by working with renowned directors such as Dario Argento, Gus Van Sant, Werner Herzog, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, and Lars von Trier.

He rose to prominence in cult films like Suspiria, Flesh for Frankenstein, Blood for Dracula, and My Own Private Idaho after first becoming known for his role in the 1970s movie Mark of the Devil.

Kier became widely regarded as one of European cinema’s leading character actors, noted for his distinctive gaze and memorable villainous roles.

His collaborations with von Trier included Breaking the Waves, Dogville, Melancholia, and Nymphomaniac, while his US credits ranged from Johnny Mnemonic and Blade to Armageddon.