Udo Kier’s life began in chaos — the hospital where he was born in 1944 was bombed just hours after his birth, and he and his mother had to be rescued from the ruins. Growing up in postwar Germany, he described his childhood as “horrible,” marked by poverty, a complicated family situation, and a home without hot water until he was 17.

Despite these early hardships, Kier discovered performance as his escape. After moving to London to study English, he was unexpectedly discovered in a coffee shop, launching a career that would define him as one of cinema’s most iconic character actors. “I liked the attention, so I became an actor,” he once joked.

His breakout came with the 1970 horror film Mark of the Devil, and from there, he built a legendary reputation across more than 275 film roles. Kier became famous for portraying villains, monsters, and unsettling characters — from vampires to Nazis — often in bold, unconventional films that showcased his unique presence.

On Sunday, the celebrated German actor passed away at 81 in a Palm Springs hospital, as confirmed by his partner, Delbert McBride. With a career spanning five decades and collaborations from Hollywood to European art cinema, Udo Kier leaves behind a legacy as unforgettable as the characters he brought to life.