Terence Stamp, the iconic British actor known for his captivating performances in films like “Billy Budd,” “Far From the Madding Crowd,” and “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” has passed away at the age of 87. Born on July 22, 1938, in London, Stamp left an indelible mark on cinema with his versatility and range.
Stamp’s early career began as a young man when he appeared in various stage productions before transitioning to film. His breakthrough role came in “Billy Budd” (1962), where he played the titular character, earning him an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe Award for most promising newcomer. He went on to demonstrate his acting prowess in other notable films, including “The Collector” (1965) and “Far From the Madding Crowd” (1967).
In the 1980s, Stamp’s career experienced a resurgence with memorable roles in “Superman II” (1980), where he portrayed General Zod, and “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” (1994), as Bernadette, a middle-aged transgender woman. His portrayal in the latter earned him critical acclaim for his nuanced performance.
Throughout his illustrious career, Stamp appeared in over 50 films, receiving praise for his performances in various genres. He also had roles in “The Limey” (1999) and “Alien Nation” (1988). In recent years, he made appearances in the television series “Smallville” as the voice of Superman’s noble Kryptonian father.
Stamp was married to Elizabeth O’Rourke from 2002 until their divorce in 2008. The cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed. Despite facing personal challenges throughout his life, Stamp remained committed to his craft and continued to captivate audiences with his performances until the end of his life.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/17/movies/terence-stamp-dead.html