Los Angeles — Terence Stamp, the celebrated British actor best known for his iconic portrayal of the villain General Zod in the classic films Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980), has passed away. He was 87.
His family confirmed that he died on the morning of August 17 but did not disclose the cause of death or where he passed away.
Born in London in 1938, Stamp's career spanned over six decades, during which he appeared in more than 90 films and television series. His exceptional talent was recognized early on when he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his debut role in the 1962 film Billy Budd.
Beyond his memorable turn as General Zod, Stamp was praised for his versatile performances in a wide range of roles. He earned critical acclaim for playing a transgender woman in the 1994 cult classic The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and for his starring role in Steven Soderbergh’s 1999 crime thriller The Limey. His later career included roles in major Hollywood productions, such as Valkyrie (2008) alongside Tom Cruise and The Adjustment Bureau (2011) with Matt Damon.
Stamp was famously candid about his acting career, once stating, "I have no ambition. Sometimes I've done rubbish because I couldn't afford the rent, but if I can afford the rent, I want to do the best I can."
Known for his striking good looks in his younger years, Stamp was a prominent figure in the swinging sixties London scene. He had high-profile relationships with actresses Julie Christie, his co-star in the 1967 film Far from the Madding Crowd, and the famous model Jean Shrimpton.
In 2002, at age 64, he married Elizabeth O'Rourke, who was 35 years his junior. The couple divorced six years later. He had no children.
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