Terence Stamp, actor famous for his role as the villain in the 1978 film ‘Superman’, has died at age 87.
In a statement to Reuters news agency, the actor’s family confirmed that he passed away on Sunday morning. The family said they take comfort in the impact he left throughout his career.
However, the cause of death was not disclosed.
“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. We ask for privacy at this sad time,” the statement reads in part.
Stamp’s fans and colleagues have also paid tributes to the late actor on social media.
In an Instagram post, Sarah Douglas, his co-star in Superman, referred to him as “beyond gorgeous and talented”, adding that she learnt so much from him.
She also extended condolences to all who cared for him, describing his passing as a “great loss”.
“So saddened to learn that Terence has left us. He was beyond gorgeous and talented and I learnt so very much from him,” she wrote.
“What a start to my career to have spent so many months in his company. My love and heartfelt condolences to all who cared for him. What a loss.”
Stamp began his acting career in 1960 in a Wolf Mankowitz production after training on a scholarship at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
In 1962, his debut role in ‘Billy Budd’ earned him an Academy Award nomination for ‘Best Supporting Actor’ and a BAFTA nomination for ‘Best Newcomer’.
He gained wider recognition for his role as the archvillain General Zod in ‘Superman’ (1978) and ‘Superman II’ (1980).
In a career that spanned six decades, the actor featured in several acclaimed films, including ‘The Adventures of Priscilla’, ‘Queen of the Desert’, ‘Far From the Madding Crowd’ and ‘Valkyrie’.
His talent earned him numerous awards, including a Golden Globe, a Cannes Film Festival Award, and a Silver Bear.
Stamp was also celebrated for his striking looks and sharp fashion sense. In 1995, Empire magazine named him among the 100 Sexiest Film Stars of All Time.
