LONDON — British actor Terence Stamp, renowned for his chilling portrayal of General Zod in the 1978 film Superman and its 1980 sequel Superman II, died on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the age of 87, his family confirmed. The Oscar-nominated actor, whose career spanned six decades, passed away in the morning, though the cause was not disclosed, according to CBS News. “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,” his family stated, requesting privacy.
Born in London’s East End in 1938 to a tugboat stoker, Stamp endured World War II’s Blitz before pursuing acting. After a scholarship to drama school, he debuted in 1962’s Billy Budd, earning an Oscar nomination. His role as the menacing Zod, with the iconic line “Kneel before Zod,” cemented his place in pop culture, facing off against Christopher Reeve’s Superman. Stamp later voiced Jor-El in Smallville, tying him further to the Superman legacy.
His diverse roles included a transgender woman in 1994’s The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and a crime boss in 1999’s The Limey. “From wearing the high heels, my spine was completely out of alignment,” he told CBS News in 1999, reflecting on Priscilla. Other credits include Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace and Valkyrie with Tom Cruise. His final role was in 2021’s Last Night in Soho.
Stamp’s 1960s glamour, with romances alongside Julie Christie and Jean Shrimpton, made him a cultural icon. His memoirs, including Rare Stamps, chronicled his storied life. Tributes on X, including from Variety, mourned the loss of a “true inspiration.” Stamp’s legacy endures through his unforgettable performances.
