STARBURST is deeply saddened to learn of the death of actor Dieter Laser. Best known to genre fans for his role as Dr Heiter in The Human Centipede (First Sequence), the multi-award-winning actor had a long, varied career in cinema.

Born in Kiel, Germany in 1942, his portrayal of the title role in John Glückstadt (1975) gained him the Best Actor at the German Film Awards and the 1978 movie The Glass Cell was nominated for Best Foreign Language film at the Oscars. To English-speaking audiences, he came to prominence in the TV series Lexx in 1997, playing the role of Mantrid. 2009’s The Human Centipede (First Sequence) made him a horror icon. Tom Six’s film courted controversy but acclaim for the actor, who returned to complete the circle in Six’s The Human Centipede 3 (Final Sequence). His commitment to the role and intense screen presence brought praise from many, even those who didn’t like the films.

A statement on his personal Facebook page – where he often interacted with fans – said he passed away on February 29th, 2020, not long after his 78th birthday.

STARBURST sends our thoughts and sympathy to his family and friends.

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