The German actor Udo Kier, who appeared in over 200 films throughout his lifetime in both Hollywood and Europe, has died aged 81.

The actor died on the morning of November 23rd in a hospital in Palm Springs, California, his partner, Delbert McBride, confirmed to Variety. No cause of death has been revealed at this time.

Kier often became synonymous with playing villains and horror roles, most notably in Flesh for Frankenstein in 1973 and Blood for Dracula the following year. However, some of his other most acclaimed appearances took place in the likes of Armageddon and Ace Ventura.

Regarding his preference to take on horror parts, the actor once said: “I like horror films, because if you play small or guest parts in movies, it is better to be evil and scare people than be the guy who works in the post office and goes home to his wife and children. Audiences will remember you more.”

Although Kier already had a prolific career as an actor in European films, it wasn’t until 1991, when he played a supporting role in My Own Private Idaho, opposite River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves, that his work took on a transatlantic status.

From there, he developed a powerful partnership with horror director Lars Von Trier, taking on roles in many of his film and TV projects from the 1990s onwards, starting with Epidemic in 1991 and featuring the likes of Breaking the Waves, Dancer in the Dark, and Dogville.

However, Kier also developed his career by appearing in a number of Hollywood blockbusters, including Ace Ventura and Blade.

In the music realm, he also became known for starring in a number of videos for the Queen of Pop, Madonna, namely for her hit songs ‘Erotica’ and ‘Deeper and Deeper’.

The actor most recently appeared in The Secret Agent, directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, which won its lead star, Wagner Moura, the award for ‘Best Actor’ at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.