Terence Stamp: Iconic Actor of Complex Villains Dies at 87

London, Aug 18 (AP) – Terence Stamp, the iconic British actor widely recognized for his portrayal of complex villains such as General Zod in the early Superman films, has passed away at the age of 87.

His passing on Sunday was revealed in a death notice published online, leading to an outpouring of tributes from fans and industry peers, including the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).

Born in London, Stamp launched his film career with 1962's seafaring “Billy Budd,” earning both Oscar and BAFTA nominations. Throughout his six-decade career, he delivered unforgettable performances, notably as the transsexual Bernadette in the 1994 film “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” which earned him his second BAFTA nomination.

However, Stamp's most enduring role is arguably that of the bearded Zod in 1978’s “Superman” and its sequel “Superman II.” As the formidable Kryptonian adversary to Christopher Reeve's Superman, Stamp brought a darker, more nuanced portrayal that left a lasting impact on the superhero genre.

Director Edgar Wright, who worked with Stamp on his final feature film, 2021’s “Last Night in Soho,” remembered him as “kind, funny, and endlessly fascinating.” Wright shared on Instagram, “The closer the camera moved, the more hypnotic his presence became. His unblinking gaze in close-up was extraordinary—Terence was a true movie star: the camera loved him, and he loved it right back.”

Actor Bill Duke, who appeared alongside Stamp in Steven Soderbergh's 1999 crime drama “The Limey,” expressed his condolences on Facebook, saying he was “deeply saddened” by the news. "He brought a rare intensity to the screen but carried himself with warmth, grace, and generosity off-screen,” Duke added.

Stamp began his acting journey on stage in the late 1950s, where he performed in repertory theatre and befriended Michael Caine. The two actors shared a flat in central London while seeking their big breaks.

Stamp's career breakthrough came with “Billy Budd,” and he became part of the “angry young men” movement in the early 1960s, which infused British cinema with social realism. His role in the 1965 adaptation of John Fowles' novel “The Collector” earned him the Best Actor award at that year's Cannes Film Festival.

Learning from seasoned classical actors like Laurence Olivier, Stamp recalled Olivier advising him in a 2013 AP interview, saying, “You should always study your voice because, as you get older, your looks go, but your voice will become empowered.” Stamp then convincingly demonstrated an Olivier impersonation in the interview.

Following a brief hiatus in his career after losing the coveted role of James Bond, Stamp's unexpected casting as General Zod revived his career. He continued to work steadily, appearing as John Tunstall in 1988's “Young Guns,” a Galactic Republic leader in “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace,” and in comedies such as “Yes Man” and “Get Smart” in 2008. He also lent his voice to video games “Halo 3” and “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.”

Born in London’s East End on July 22, 1938, Stamp led a vibrant life, known for his romantic relationships, including with actress Julie Christie and model Jean Shrimpton. He married Elizabeth O'Rourke in 2002, but the couple divorced in 2008. Stamp never had children.

Recognized for maintaining his looks over the years, his natural handsomeness matured into a more rugged look. Stamp consistently aimed to work on quality projects, with a humorous pragmatism about financial needs. “I don’t do crappy movies unless I haven’t got the rent,” he once remarked.

(AP)

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