British actor Terence Stamp, celebrated for his commanding screen presence and iconic role as General Zod in Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980), has died at the age of 87, his family announced on Sunday.
In a statement to Reuters, Stamp’s family confirmed that he passed away on Sunday morning. “He leaves behind an extraordinary body of work, both as an actor and as a writer, that will continue to touch and inspire people for years to come. We ask for privacy at this sad time,” the statement said.
Read more: Pakistan Says It Has Videos of Downed Indian Jets
Born in London’s East End in 1938, Stamp was the son of a tugboat stoker and survived the bombings of World War II. He began his career in advertising before winning a scholarship to drama school. By the 1960s, he had become one of Britain’s most recognized actors and style icons, starring in Far From the Madding Crowd (1967) opposite Julie Christie, with whom he formed one of the era’s most glamorous couples.
Stamp’s career spanned decades and genres. He worked with renowned Italian directors, including Federico Fellini and Pier Paolo Pasolini, starring in Theorem (1968) and A Season in Hell (1971). After a retreat from the spotlight to study yoga in India, he returned with the role that defined his career — the menacing Kryptonian villain General Zod.
Read more: French ATC Suspended for Saying ‘Free Palestine
Beyond Superman, Stamp earned acclaim for performances in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994), where he played a transgender woman, and later films including Valkyrie (2008) alongside Tom Cruise, The Adjustment Bureau (2011) with Matt Damon, and works directed by Tim Burton.
Known for his striking looks and impeccable style, Stamp also had high-profile relationships with actress Julie Christie and model Jean Shrimpton, and was a muse for photographer David Bailey. Despite narrowly missing the chance to succeed Sean Connery as James Bond, his versatility and presence made him one of the most memorable actors of his generation.
Stamp was nominated for an Academy Award early in his career and went on to leave an indelible mark on both European cinema and Hollywood.
