Legendary British actor Terence Stamp, best remembered for his striking screen presence and powerful performances, passed away on 17 August 2025 at the age of 87. While his career spanned more than six decades, his personal life—especially his high-profile relationships—often drew as much attention as his work on screen.
High-Profile Relationships of Terence Stamp
Julie Christie
One of Stamp’s most famous relationships was with actress Julie Christie, a fellow star of the 1960s. The pair met while filming Far from the Madding Crowd (1967), where their on-screen chemistry spilled over into real life. Their romance was immortalized in the Kinks’ song “Waterloo Sunset,” reflecting their status as a celebrated couple of the era. Despite their high-profile affair, the relationship eventually ended, but it remains a significant chapter in Stamp’s romantic history.
Jean Shrimpton
Following his relationship with Christie, Stamp began dating supermodel Jean Shrimpton, one of the most famous faces of the 1960s. Their romance was highly publicized, earning them the title of “the most photographed couple of Mod London.” Shrimpton, who reportedly left photographer David Bailey for Stamp, shared a passionate relationship with the actor. However, Stamp later described Shrimpton as the love of his life, noting that their breakup coincided with a decline in his film roles, prompting him to seek spiritual growth in India.
Brigitte Bardot
Stamp was also linked to French actress Brigitte Bardot in the late 1960s. Their meeting, described as a blind date, was less successful due to their differing lifestyles. Stamp, a vegetarian, clashed with Bardot’s more flamboyant persona, and their lack of connection led to a brief encounter. Despite its brevity, this rumored romance added to Stamp’s reputation as a ladies’ man.
Elizabeth O’Rourke
In 2002, at the age of 64, Stamp married Elizabeth O’Rourke, a 29-year-old pharmacy student he met in Australia in the 1990s. Their significant age difference raised eyebrows, but Stamp was reportedly smitten, expressing a desire to start a family. The marriage, however, ended in divorce in 2008, with O’Rourke citing Stamp’s “unreasonable behaviour” as the reason. This marked Stamp’s only marriage to date, and he has since kept his personal life more private.
Terence Stamp’s Life After Romance
As Stamp aged, his focus shifted from high-profile romances to personal growth and spirituality. After his breakup with Shrimpton, he spent nearly a decade in India, studying yoga and meditation under philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti. This period of self-discovery shaped his later years, where he prioritized health, vegetarianism, and a quieter lifestyle. Stamp has stated that he’s “fallen off the horse” of romantic pursuits, preferring yoga over physical relationships in his later years.
