Terence Stamp, Legendary Actor and Iconic “General Zod” in Superman, Dies at 87
London, August 17, 2025 — British actor Terence Stamp, best known for his chilling portrayal of General Zod in Superman and Superman II, as well as his Oscar-nominated debut in Billy Budd, has died at the age of 87. His family confirmed the news in a statement released on Sunday.
“He leaves behind an extraordinary body of work, both as an actor and as a writer, that will continue to inspire for generations to come,” his family said in the announcement.
Terence Stamp, the British actor known for his roles in “Billy Budd,” “Superman” and “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” died at 87 years old.
Stamp’s career stretched over six decades, beginning with his big-screen debut in Billy Budd (1962), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer. He went on to deliver unforgettable performances in The Collector (1965), Theorem (1968), The Limey (1999), Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994), Valkyrie (2008), The Adjustment Bureau (2011), and most recently Last Night in Soho (2021). His most iconic role remained General Zod, the menacing Kryptonian villain opposite Christopher Reeve’s Superman, whose chilling command “Kneel before Zod” cemented him as one of cinema’s most memorable comic-book antagonists.
Stamp found his passion for film at a young age.
Born in London in 1938, Stamp grew up in a working-class family; his father was a tugboat captain, and he experienced the Blitz firsthand during World War II. After briefly working in advertising, he studied at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art and quickly became a rising star of “Swinging London” in the 1960s, known as much for his brooding screen presence as for his high-profile relationships with actress Julie Christie and model Jean Shrimpton. Despite nearly landing the role of James Bond, Stamp pursued a different path, spending years in India studying yoga before returning to Hollywood with renewed focus and ultimately redefining his career with the role of Zod.
Stamp will be remembered not only for his iconic performances but also for his elegance, charisma, and literary contributions. His passing marks the end of a remarkable era in film, and his family has asked for privacy as they grieve the loss of a beloved father, brother, and artist.
