Terence Stamp, British star of Superman movies, dies at 87

LONDON,—British actor Terence Stamp, remembered for his striking presence on screen and his role as the villain General Zod in the “Superman” movies, has died at the age of 87, his family announced Sunday.

Stamp rose to prominence in 1960s London, a period that established him as one of the leading faces of the era.

He earned an Academy Award nomination and appeared in a wide range of productions, including Pier Paolo Pasolini’s “Theorem” in 1968 and “A Season in Hell” in 1971.

In 1994, he gained renewed attention for his performance as a transgender woman in “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.”

In a statement, his family said, “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.”

Born in London’s East End in 1938, Stamp was the son of a tugboat worker and experienced the bombings of World War II as a child. He left school early and first worked in advertising before receiving a drama school scholarship.

British actor Terence Henry Stamp, 2009. Photo: Creative Commons/Wikimedia

Known for his sharp sense of style and widely regarded as a leading man of his generation, Stamp became part of Britain’s celebrity culture.

He starred alongside Julie Christie in “Far From the Madding Crowd” (1967) and was linked to model Jean Shrimpton. He was also photographed frequently by David Bailey, becoming part of the fashionable “Swinging London” scene.

Although considered for the role of James Bond after Sean Connery’s departure, Stamp instead worked in European cinema, collaborating with Italian directors, including Federico Fellini.

He later spent time in India studying yoga before returning to international prominence as Zod in “Superman” (1978) and “Superman II” (1980).

His later career included roles in major movies such as “Valkyrie” (2008), “The Adjustment Bureau” (2011), and several productions directed by Tim Burton.

No further details on his death were immediately released.

(With files from Reuters)