British actor Terence Stamp, best known for playing the legendary villain General Zod in Superman and Superman II, has died at the age of 87. His family confirmed the news on Sunday morning in a statement to Reuters.

Family Confirms Death of Terence Stamp

The Oscar-nominated actor’s cause of death has not yet been disclosed. In their statement, his family described him as leaving 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 also requested privacy during this difficult time.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Terence Stamp was born in London’s East End in 1938 to Ethel Esther and Thomas Stamp, a tugboat stoker. Growing up during World War II, he endured the bombings of London.

After leaving school, he worked in advertising before earning a scholarship to drama school. “I couldn’t tell anyone I wanted to be an actor because it was out of the question. I would have been laughed at,” he once recalled.

Acclaimed Acting Career

Stamp’s career spanned decades, with performances in both independent cinema and Hollywood blockbusters. He starred in Pier Paolo Pasolini’s Theorem, A Season in Hell, and the cult classic The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, where he portrayed a transgender woman.

Reflecting on the physical toll of that role, he told CBS News in 1999 that wearing high heels left his spine misaligned for six months.

Superman’s General Zod and Beyond

His most iconic role came as General Zod, the ruthless Kryptonian villain in Richard Donner’s Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980). He later returned to the Superman universe as the voice of Jor-El in the hit TV series Smallville.

Stamp also appeared in major films such as Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Valkyrie alongside Tom Cruise, The Adjustment Bureau with Matt Damon, and Tim Burton-directed movies.

Final Roles and Writing Career

Stamp’s last on-screen performance was in Edgar Wright’s Last Night in Soho (2021). Beyond acting, he was also an accomplished writer and author, adding another dimension to his remarkable legacy.