Terence Stamp was a British actor renowned for his portrayal of General Zod in the Superman films, has passed away at the age of 87 on 17 August 2025. His family confirmed his death on Sunday morning, though the cause was not immediately disclosed.
Born in London’s East End on July 22, 1938, Stamp embarked on his acting career in the early 1960s. He gained significant recognition with his Oscar-nominated performance in Billy Budd (1962), which also earned him a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer. During the 1960s, he became a prominent figure in British cinema, known for his striking looks and roles in films such as Far from the Madding Crowd (1967) and The Collector (1965), the latter earning him the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival.
Stamp’s portrayal of the villainous General Zod in Superman (1978) and its sequel Superman II (1980) solidified his status as a cinematic icon. His commanding presence and memorable lines, such as “Kneel before Zod,” left an indelible mark on audiences and influenced the portrayal of comic book antagonists in subsequent films.
In 1994, Stamp showcased his versatility by playing Bernadette Bassenger, a transgender woman, in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. His performance was widely acclaimed, earning him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards.
Throughout his career, Stamp collaborated with esteemed directors like Pier Paolo Pasolini, Steven Soderbergh, and Tim Burton. He also lent his voice to characters in video games such as Halo 3 and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
Stamp’s family expressed their sorrow, stating, “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”. They have requested privacy during this time of mourning.
Terence Stamp was married to Elizabeth O’Rourke, an Australian pharmacist. They met in the mid-1990s when she was 23 and he was 58, and despite their 35-year age difference, they married on New Year’s Eve in 2002 when Stamp was 64 and O’Rourke was 29.
Their marriage lasted six years and ended in 2008. O’Rourke filed for divorce, citing Stamp’s “unreasonable behaviour,” a claim he did not contest. In a 2013 interview, Stamp reflected on their time together, stating, “We had an incredible amount of fun,” and added that if he visited Australia, he would likely reconnect with her.
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