Terence Stamp, ‘Superman’ Villain And Acclaimed Actor, Dies At 87

Terence Stamp, the British actor whose career spanned more than six decades and included iconic roles in both arthouse films and Hollywood blockbusters, has died at the age of 87.

His family confirmed the news in a statement on Sunday, saying Terence Stamp passed away that 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,” the family said in a statement to Reuters. “We ask for privacy at this sad time.”

Stamp first rose to prominence in 1960s London, quickly establishing himself as one of the era’s most distinctive screen talents. His breakthrough roles in films such as Pier Paolo Pasolini’s "Theorem" (1968) and "A Season in Hell" (1971) showcased his versatility and intensity, earning him recognition among cinema’s elite.

In Hollywood, Stamp became best known to mainstream audiences for his unforgettable performance as the arch-villain General Zod in "Superman" (1978) and its sequel "Superman II" (1980), where his chilling delivery of the line “Kneel before Zod” cemented his place in pop culture history.

His career continued to evolve through the decades, with one of his most celebrated later performances coming in "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" (1994), in which he played Bernadette, a transgender woman who embarks on a journey across the Australian Outback. The role earned Stamp critical acclaim and introduced him to a new generation of fans.

Over the years, Stamp was nominated for numerous awards, including an Academy Award nomination, and remained a respected figure in both film and literature, authoring several works in addition to his acting career.

Beyond his iconic roles, Stamp often reflected on the lessons that shaped his approach to acting.

In an interview with Filmmaker Magazine, he recalled how his very first film experience, working with the legendary Peter Ustinov, left a profound impact on him both professionally and personally.

“Although he wasn’t the greatest director I ever worked with, he was one of the greatest men I ever met,” Stamp shared, noting how Ustinov and his wife “kind of adopted” him during that period.

The veteran actor instilled a guiding principle that Stamp carried with him throughout his career. “If you do good things, good things will come to you," he recalled. That advice, Stamp admitted, left him selective in his choices, sometimes to the point of stepping away from work altogether.

“There are times where I have to do rubbish, but I only do that when I haven’t got the rent,” he said candidly. “Other than that, I just do things I intuitively feel are going to be good for me; and I figure if they’re good for me, they’re good for the movie.”

Reflecting on his career highs and lows, including long stretches out of work in the 1970s, Stamp explained how his eventual comeback with the "Superman" films felt like a second chance.

By then, he said, he no longer relied so heavily on directors, instead trusting his own instincts. “I was kind of close enough to myself to just…use my own intuition between ‘action’ and ‘cut.’”

News of Stamp’s passing quickly sparked an outpouring of tributes across social media, with fans and fellow film lovers remembering the actor’s remarkable presence on screen. Many praised his unforgettable turn as General Zod, one of the most iconic villains in cinematic history.

“What a shame! General Zod will be missed. May he rest in peace,” one fan wrote. Another recalled his chilling performance in Disney’s "Haunted Mansion" alongside Eddie Murphy, sharing, “He was so scary in the OG 'Haunted Mansion'… RIP!”

Others honored the actor’s legacy with heartfelt words like, “You will be missed," "Truly the end of an era," and "Condolences to his family and fans.”

“Terence Stamp brought such presence and gravitas to every role he played. His General Zod will always be iconic, a true legend of the screen,” one tribute read, while another added simply, “A true icon. We’ll miss that commanding presence and unmistakable voice.”

Stamp’s death marks the loss of a legendary performer whose influence spanned genres, continents, and generations.