Veteran British Actor Terence Stamp, Celebrated for General Zod, Passes Away at 87
Hollywood grieves the loss of a cherished actor.
Terence Stamp, renowned for his portrayals in the 1978 film Superman and its sequel Superman II, passed away on August 17, according to a family statement to Reuters. He was 87 years old.
"Terence has left behind a remarkable legacy of work as both an actor and a writer, which will continue to inspire and impact people for many years," his family expressed in their statement. "We kindly request privacy during this difficult time."
Early Life and Discovery of Acting
Born in London's East End to a tugboat stoker, Stamp's passion for acting emerged during his late teenage years.
"It wasn't until we received our first television—we'd have been about 17, and I was already working—that I began thinking, 'Oh, I could pursue that,'" he shared with BFI in 2013. "My father discouraged me from it, likely trying to protect me from potential trouble. He truly believed that someone from our background wouldn't engage in such pursuits."
Rise to Prominence
After securing a scholarship at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, Stamp quickly made his cinematic debut in 1962's Billy Bud. His exceptional talent soon earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor and a Golden Globe for Most Promising Male Newcomer.
Fortunate to have industry friends like Michael Caine and Peter O’Toole, Stamp was guided effectively through his burgeoning career.
Iconic Roles and Versatility
"When I began filming, something incredible happened—I just felt like I knew exactly what to do," the actor told NPR in 2021. "It was almost second nature. I grasped everything new I encountered almost immediately."
While he established himself as a formidable villain in movies such as 1965's The Collector and 1967's Far From the Madding Crowd, alongside his then-girlfriend Julie Christie, Stamp defied expectations in 1994. He received nominations for Best Actor at both the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs for his remarkable portrayal of a trans woman in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
"Cross-dressing has existed since at least Shakespeare," he told People magazine at the time. "It would be wonderful if increased androgyny became a major societal shift. It could simplify relationships."
"I'm sure Hollywood will say, 'We knew he was a great villain,'" he joked, "'Now we know he's got great legs.'"
Recent Work
In his later years, Stamp continued to act in notable films including 1991's Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, 2008's Get Smart, 2019's Murder Mystery alongside Adam Sandler, and 2021's Last Night in Soho.
