Renowned for his captivating portrayal of villains, British actor Terence Stamp has passed away at the age of 87. His demise was announced on Sunday through an online death notice, sparking numerous tributes from fans and industry peers, including the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).
Stamp, born in London, embarked on his cinematic journey with the 1962 film “Billy Budd,” earning both Oscar and BAFTA nominations for his performance. Over his six-decade career, he delivered memorable roles, notably as Bernadette in 1994’s “The Adventure of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” which garnered him another BAFTA nomination.
However, it was his iconic role as General Zod in the 1978 “Superman” film and its sequel that became his most recognized performance. Opposite Christopher Reeve’s Superman, Stamp’s portrayal of Zod introduced a multifaceted villain with humanity and charm, influencing future superhero narratives.
Director Edgar Wright, who worked with Stamp on his final film, 2021’s “Last Night in Soho,” praised him on Instagram, describing him as “kind, funny, and endlessly fascinating.” Wright noted, “The closer the camera moved, the more hypnotic his presence became. In close-up, his unblinking gaze locked in so powerfully that the effect was extraordinary. Terence was a true movie star: the camera loved him, and he loved it right back.”
Bill Duke, who co-starred with Stamp in “The Limey,” expressed his sorrow on Facebook, acknowledging Stamp’s “rare intensity” on-screen and his “warmth, grace, and generosity” off-screen.
Stamp’s acting career began in the late 1950s on stage, where he crossed paths with Michael Caine. The two shared a flat in London while pursuing their big break in film. Stamp’s breakthrough came with “Billy Budd,” and he quickly became part of the “angry young men” movement in British cinema, noted for its social realism.
His 1965 role in the film adaptation of “The Collector” showcased his talent, earning him the best actor award at the Cannes Film Festival. Stamp learned from legendary actors like Laurence Olivier, who advised him, “You should always study your voice. Because, as you get older, your looks go, but your voice will become empowered.” Stamp shared this anecdote in a 2013 interview with the AP.
After a brief hiatus in the late 1960s, Stamp returned to prominence with the role of General Zod. He continued to act in films such as “Young Guns,” “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace,” “Yes Man,” and “Get Smart,” and lent his voice to video games “Halo 3” and “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.”
Born on July 22, 1938, in London’s East End, Stamp lived a vibrant life, especially during the 1960s, dating high-profile figures like Julie Christie and Jean Shrimpton. He married Elizabeth O’Rourke in 2002, but they divorced six years later. Stamp did not have children.
Known for maintaining his rugged handsomeness over the years, Stamp adhered to a high standard in his work, famously stating, “I don’t do crappy movies, unless I haven’t got the rent.”
