Udo Kier, prolific actor with over 200 credits to his name, passed away today (Nov. 23) at the age of 81, according to his partner Delbert McBride. He is perhaps best known for his collaborations with Lars von Trier, particularly on films such as Dancer in the Dark and Nymphomaniac.
Though his nu metal legacy is a brief one, it's a bit deeper than we might initially think. Kier starred in the music video for Korn's "Make Me Bad," released in 2000 and directed by Martin Weisz. Drawing inspiration from the original Alien film, the video also features a clip of the song "Dead," which also features on Issues alongside "Make Me Bad."
Kier also played Dragonetti in the 1998 film adaptation of Blade, portraying the vampire elder who leads the House of Erebus, until being taken out and usurped by Deacon Frost. The role would earn him a FANGORIA Chainsaw Award for Best Supporting Actor, an accolade he would win two more times.
From Warhol to Madonna, von Trier to Korn, from Puppet Master to Blood for Dracula, Kier's legacy as an actor is more than solidified, and we here in the nu world can claim him without feeling too smug or feeling like we're reaching.
Our condolences go to McBride and Kier's family in the face of this tremendous loss.
