Udo Kier, striking German actor from 'My Own Private Idaho' and 'Ace Ventura,' dies at 81

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Udo Kier, the German actor whose icy gaze and strange, scene-stealing screen presence made him a favorite of filmmakers including Andy Warhol , Gus Van Sant and Lars von Trier , has died at 81.

His partner, artist Delbert McBride, told Variety that Kier died on Sunday in Palm Springs, California.