Terence Stamp, actor who played General Zod in Superman films, dies at 87

Terence Stamp, one of Britain’s most recognizable and versatile actors, has died at the age of 87.

Best known to global audiences for his chilling yet charismatic portrayal of General Zod in Richard Donner’s Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980), Stamp’s career spanned more than six decades and showcased his extraordinary range.

His film debut came with Billy Budd in 1962, earning him an Academy Award nomination. He followed with acclaimed performances in The Collector (1965), which won him the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival, and later delivered standout roles in The Limey (1999) directed by Steven Soderbergh, and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994), where his touching portrayal of Bernadette won critical praise.

Born in London’s East End in 1938, Stamp rose to prominence during the “angry young men” movement in British cinema, bringing social realism and emotional intensity to his characters.

He worked with legendary figures like Laurence Olivier and maintained a reputation for high standards throughout his career.