I'll tell you what a friendship is to me. Friendship to me is, if my friends need my little finger to live, I'm going to have it cut off. I'm going to the hospital, they cut off my finger, and maybe I have a gold finger instead, and I become famous. But I still give it to my friend.

In this quote, Udo Kier describes his profound understanding of friendship by highlighting the level of sacrifice and loyalty he is willing to offer to his friends. He uses a dramatic metaphor to express that if a friend’s life depended on something as significant as his little finger, he would go as far as having it cut off to help them. This illustrates the deep selflessness and commitment that Kier associates with true friendship, suggesting that he would make great personal sacrifices to ensure his friends’ well-being.

Kier’s statement underscores that friendship is not just about offering support in small, convenient ways but about being willing to make difficult and personal sacrifices for those you care about. His hypothetical scenario of giving up his finger even if it meant gaining fame shows that, to him, loyalty and the act of giving are more important than personal gain or recognition. The mention of becoming famous by having a gold finger emphasizes the contrast between fame and genuine human connection.

The origin of this quote likely comes from Kier’s experiences in the entertainment industry, where the concept of sacrifice and loyalty can sometimes be overshadowed by fame or material success. As an actor who has worked in both independent and larger productions, Kier’s words reflect a personal philosophy that emphasizes the importance of deep, meaningful relationships over transient benefits like wealth or recognition.

Ultimately, Kier’s quote highlights the concept of unconditional support in friendship, where one is willing to go to any lengths for the people they care about. His willingness to sacrifice something as personal as his finger underscores how powerful and selfless true friendship can be. This statement is a reflection of his belief that loyalty and sacrifice are the cornerstones of a strong, enduring friendship.