Actor Udo Kier Remembered At Festival Theaters In Palm Springs

PALM SPRINGS, CA — Festival Theaters in Palm Springs will screen a series of films featuring Udo Kier, the late Palm Springs resident and German actor, starting Thursday.

The film series, "Remembering Udo Kier: Palm Springs' Valentine," will be held though March 5 at 789 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way.

Kier died on Nov. 23, 2025 in Palm Springs at the age of 81. He appeared in more than 200 roles in films such as "`Ace Ventura: Pet Detective," "Johnny Mnemonic," "End of Violence" and "Flesh for Frankenstein."

"From cult horror to new queer cinema to arthouse prestige, the slate offers audiences a chance to revisit Kier's work while highlighting his deep personal connection to Palm Springs, a city he embraced," officials said.

The tribute kicks off Thursday with "Blood for Dracula," a 1974 horror film written and directed by Paul Morrissey. It will screen at 7 p.m. Thursday, at noon Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. Feb. 8-11, and at noon Feb. 12.

Director Gus Van Sant's 1991 drama "My Own Private Idaho" will screen Feb. 13-19 at 8 p.m. each night.

Danish filmmaker Lars von Trier's 2011 science fiction fable "Melancholia" screens Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb 21-26 at 7 p.m.

Finally, the 2021 comedic drama "Swan Song," which stars Kier as a flamboyant retired hairdresser who embarks on an odyssey to confront the ghosts of his past, will screen at 7 p.m. Feb. 27-March 5.

Tickets can be found at festivaltheaters.com/home/.