By Acclaimed performer Udo Kier, renowned for his roles in over 200 motion pictures such as Flesh for Frankenstein, Blade, and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, along with his participation in video gaming with Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 and his forthcoming role in OD, has died at the age of 81.
Kier is poised to feature in the forthcoming Hideo Kojima title OD alongside Hunter Schafer and Sofia Lillis. Kojima honors the actor on Twitter, expressing: “I am lost for words. Everything transpired far too quickly. Due to the strike, we couldn’t film ‘OD’ for an extended period and had to reschedule for next year. Even during that interim, Udo and I communicated via email regularly.”
I’m at a loss for words. It all happened far too suddenly. 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… pic.twitter.com/aRpP1i38CENovember 24, 2025
Kojima elaborates: “When we met in Milan at the end of September, he expressed his excitement for the shooting to resume next year. He was brimming with energy then as well, amusing me with his characteristic ‘Udo-isms.'” The OD director further notes, “Udo was more than just an actor. He was genuinely an ‘icon’ of his era. We have lost an extraordinary ‘icon.’ There will never be another like him. Udo, may you rest in peace. I will always remember you.”
At this time, it remains uncertain how much of Kier’s participation in OD was accomplished prior to his demise. Considering he played a significant role in the game’s announcement during The Game Awards in 2023, and that the game has been under development for a considerable period, with footage having leaked over a year ahead of its official reveal, it is probable that a substantial portion of the work is already finished.
Meanwhile, the actor who portrayed Snake in Metal Gear Solid, David Hayter, chose to honor him by reflecting on their encounter in what might be viewed as a fitting tribute for such an icon. In a tweet, Hayter states, “Udo Kier tried to flirt with me when we were both auditioning for KILLING ZOE. I was quite flattered.”