British actor Terence Stamp, renowned for his decades-long career and iconic role as General Zod in Superman, has passed away at the age of 87, his family confirmed on Sunday, August 17.
Stamp’s career spanned over six decades, covering British classics and major Hollywood productions. He received his only Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 1962 for his debut in Billy Budd, directed by Peter Ustinov.
Born on July 22, 1938, in London’s East End to Ethel and Thomas Stamp, Terence grew up far from Hollywood glamour. His father doubted an acting career was possible, while his mother fully supported him. Stamp quickly became a key figure in 1960s British cinema, appearing in John Schlesinger’s Far From the Madding Crowd and Ken Loach’s Poor Cow.
During the Swinging London era, Stamp also gained attention for high-profile relationships with Jean Shrimpton, Julie Christie, and Brigitte Bardot, and shared a flat with Michael Caine in his early career.
Stamp became a global star with his portrayal of General Zod in 1978’s Superman, reprising the role in 1980, and later voicing Jor-El in Smallville. His versatility included roles like Bernadette in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, as well as appearances in Wall Street and The Adjustment Bureau.
Reflecting on his career in interviews, Stamp often acknowledged both successes and struggles, noting, “I’ve done crap, because sometimes I didn’t have the rent. But when I’ve got the rent, I want to do the best I can.”
He was married once, in 2002, to an Australian pharmacist 35 years his junior; the marriage ended in 2008. From his East End roots to international stardom, Terence Stamp leaves behind a remarkable legacy that shaped British cinema and Hollywood blockbusters alike.