California: Udo Kier, a German actor celebrated for his commanding screen presence and a career spanning over 250 film roles across five decades, has died at the age of 81. He passed away on Sunday in a California hospital, although the cause of death has not been disclosed.

According to Anadolu Agency, Kier was born in Cologne in 1944 and established an international career by collaborating with renowned directors such as Dario Argento, Gus Van Sant, Werner Herzog, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, and Lars von Trier. He rose to prominence with his roles in cult films like "Suspiria," "Flesh for Frankenstein," "Blood for Dracula," and "My Own Private Idaho," after first gaining recognition in the 1970s movie "Mark of the Devil."

Kier was widely regarded as one of European cinema's leading character actors, noted for his distinctive gaze and memorable villainous roles. His collaborations with von Trier included films like "Breaking the Waves," "Dogville," "Melancholia," and "Nymphomaniac." In the United States, his credits ranged from "Johnny Mnemonic" and "Blade" to "Armageddon."