Udo Kier was 77 years old when he starred in Todd Stephens' Swan Song. The plot of the film follows Kier, who played the role of Pat Pitsenbarger, a gay hairstylist who was living in a nursing home. He was also known as the "Liberace of Sandusky." He was hired to style the hair of Rita, a client who passed away, but initially refused because Pat and Rita had bad blood between them. However, he did decide to go back to Sandusky, but he walked all the way there.Todd Stephens' film has a deeper meaning, giving the queer community a voice to speak out. Through Pat Pitsenbarger, Stephens tried to communicate the message about the importance of the past and the importance of remembering the struggles and battles of the gay community. It is also a film about forgiveness, grace, and fearlessness.Udo Kier, the renowned German actor who has appeared in more than 220 films during his lifetime, passed away at the age of 81. Kier had always been open about his sexuality. He once said:"No one ever asked about my sexuality. Maybe it was obvious, but it didn't make any difference because all that mattered was the role I was playing. As long as I did a good job on the part, no one cared about my sexuality."Udo Kier as Pat Pitsenbarger in Swang SongSwan Song was released just a few years ago in 2021. Udo Kier has always played quirky and unique characters, and this time, it was no different.Pat Pitsenbarger is a gay former hairstylist who was living in a nursing home, until one day he received a request from a dead client to style her hair for her funeral. Pat initially rejected the offer because he was not on good terms with Rita Parker Sloan (the dead client). Eventually, he agreed to go back to Sandusky by walking all the way.On his way to Sandusky, Ohio, Pat visits his lover's grave. David passed away due to AIDS, and because of the laws back at the time, Pat was not allowed to inherit any of David's belongings. He also visited the house that they lived in, but found nothing left, except the love that the two men once shared for each other. Through this scene, Todd Stephens tries to connect with the victims and AIDS survivors.Focusing on his mission again, he looks for certain hairstyling products, specifically a bottle of Vivante, which is not in use anymore. The symbolic importance of the Vivante is to show the audience a lost era. Funny enough, there is no other place that has the Vivante except for his former protégé's salon,Dee Dee Dale, played by Jennifer Coolidge, started a salon right across to street from where Pat's salon once was. Not only did she compete against her mentor, but she also stole his client, Rita. Pat and Dee Dee clash in front of her gay assistant. However, the latter knows she will never be as good as her mentor.Towards the latter part of the film, Udo Kier visits a thrift store, and a former client of his gave him a makeover. He wore the iconic mint green pantsuit and seemed to return a little to the man he once was. However, despite the makeover in the thrift store, he soon realizes the world he knew has changed forever.Pat searches for his old friend Eunice and sees a happy gay family in the park. Eunice, who was imagined by Pat, mentioned how gay men should be grateful for those who came before them and fought for their rights. They were trailblazers for the gay community.Additionally, upon reaching Rita's funeral, he has another imaginary verbal feud with his dead client. He confronted her for not attending David's funeral, which hurt him deeply. This scene focuses on the feelings of betrayal and the difficulty of forgiving someone who you thought was a friend.Udo Kier's performance as Pat in Swang Song showed how he brought the character's pain, history, and courage to life. His role highlights the struggles of the queer community and the importance of remembering the people who fought before.Also read: Who is Udo Kier's partner?