LONDON (AP) – Terence Stamp, the esteemed British actor renowned for his complex villain roles, notably as General Zod in the original Superman films, has passed away at the age of 87. His death on Sunday was confirmed through an online death notice, which prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues, including a statement from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).
Born in London’s East End on July 22, 1938, Stamp embarked on his film career with the 1962 seafaring film Billy Budd, a role that garnered him nominations for both the Oscar and BAFTA awards. Over the span of six decades, Stamp's career featured a multitude of significant performances, including the touching portrayal of Bernadette in 1994’s The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, which earned him his second BAFTA nomination.
However, it is his role as General Zod, a bearded antagonist in the 1978 film Superman and its sequel, Superman II, that Stamp is most widely recognized for. As the Kryptonian arch-enemy to Christopher Reeve's Man of Steel, his portrayal infused the character with a darker charm and vulnerability, creating a blueprint for many multifaceted villains in subsequent superhero films.
Director Edgar Wright, who collaborated with Stamp in his final feature film, 2021’s Last Night in Soho, remembered him as “kind, funny, and endlessly fascinating” on Instagram. He noted how Stamp's hypnotic presence intensified with the camera's closeness: “The closer the camera moved, the more hypnotic his presence became,” Wright remarked, reflecting on his extraordinary effect in close-up shots.
Bill Duke, who starred alongside Stamp in director Steven Soderbergh’s 1999 crime drama The Limey, expressed his grief on Facebook, stating he was “deeply saddened” by the news. He commended Stamp for his intense on-screen presence, paired with his warmth and grace off-screen.
Stamp’s journey into acting commenced on stage in the late 1950s, where he engaged in repertory theatre and formed lasting friendships, including one with fellow actor Michael Caine. Their shared pursuit of success led them to room together in central London during their formative years in the industry.
His breakthrough role in Billy Budd initiated a career that placed him at the forefront of the "angry young men" movement, which sought to introduce social realism into British cinema. His noteworthy performance in the 1965 film adaptation of John Fowles’ novel The Collector, where he portrayed the awkward kidnapper Freddie Clegg, not only captured the attention of critics but also secured him the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival.
During the 1960s, a period characterized by a vibrant personal life that included notable romances with actress Julie Christie and model Jean Shrimpton, Stamp's career took an unexpected hiatus after he missed out on the iconic role of James Bond. This hiatus included a lengthy stay in India, where he adopted a more holistic way of living.
His resurgence came with the unexpected acclaim of his character General Zod, subsequently appearing in various high-profile roles, including John Tunstall in 1988’s Young Guns and a Galactic Republic leader in 1999’s Star Wars prequel The Phantom Menace. Furthermore, he contributed voice performances in video games such as Halo 3 and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
Stamp maintained his striking looks over the years, showcasing a rugged handsomeness as he aged. He was known for keeping his professional standards high with a touch of humor, stating, “I don’t do crappy movies, unless I haven’t got the rent.”
Although he married Elizabeth O’Rourke in 2002, the couple divorced six years later. Stamp did not have any children but left behind a legacy marked by his impactful performances, versatility, and the ability to mesmerize audiences, ensuring he would be remembered as a true movie star.
