Famous acting legend and OD game actor Udo Kier has passed away; Hideo Kojima posted about being “at a loss for words.”
It is with sadness that we share the news that another acting legend has died. Veteran actor Udo Kier died on Nov. 23, 2025, at the age of 81. Video game CEO and game creator Hideo Kojima said he was shocked to hear the news. Kier had been slated to appear in Kojima’s upcoming Xbox horror game OD. His partner, artist Delbert McBride, shared the news of his death.
Kier was born as Udo Kierspe in Cologne, Germany, in October 1944. When he was 18, he moved to London, before going on to star in films including Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Armageddon, and Blade. These were all of the first films I saw Kier in, along with Halloween (2007). Other than OD, the late star has left his mark playing the notable character Yuri in the Command & Conquer: Red Alert games.
“It all happened far too suddenly,” Kojima wrote on social media. “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 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.”
Kojima’s OD was meant to feature Kier alongside Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schafer, and director Jordan Peele (Get Out, Nope). With Kier’s passing, it is unclear whether he will be recast in the game or if his role will be removed from the project. Either way, Kojima will probably honour him in the best way possible, and with consent from his family.
Among the more than 200 films he starred in, Kier’s breakout collaborations with Andy Warhol are among his most celebrated. Kier starred in the titular roles in both 1973’s Flesh for Frankenstein and 1974’s Blood for Dracula. Both directed by Paul Morrissey and produced by Warhol, the films are subversive, sultry reimaginings of the classic Hollywood monsters.
Rest in peace, Udo Kier, and thank you for all your hard work and art you have provided us.
