From London to Hollywood, from villain to hero—the story of Terence Stamp’s colourful life and work.
Terence Stamp’s goodbye?
Actor Terence Stamp completed 87 years of his life and said goodbye to us all on 17 August 2025.
Born in London in 1938, Stamp always ruled the screen with his silent yet powerful voices.
Even as a villain, he played more terrifying and memorable characters than the hero.
From childhood to actor
In childhood, Stamp saw the bomb blasts of World War II. “The first film I saw was Beau Geste,” he said.
The four-year-old child saw Gary Cooper in it and considered the characters more magical than the heroes.
But the dream of acting remained hidden until TV came.
Billy Budd got a good education
Stamp found his way to repertory theatre after getting a scholarship from the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art.
In 1962, the title role in Billy Budd earned him an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe “Most Promising Male Newcomer”.
This was his first big success, which made his name shine in the film world.
Rise and fall in the ’60s
Hits like Modesty Blaise (1966) and Far from the Madding Crowd (1967) enchanted Stamp during the colorful era of Swinging London.
His on-screen chemistry and off-screen romance with Julie Christie also became a highlight.
Then as the ’60s ended, the offers vanished and he set out on a journey.
Superman’s Zod and the Journey of Being a Villain
While roaming around in India, Stamp landed the role of General Zod in Superman in 1978.
He praised the villain opposite Christopher Reeve.
His comeback in Superman II (1980) also established him as a character actor—“Now I can do anything,” Stamp said.
Kamal on the Global Stage
1984’s The Hit was a new starring role for him.
A Silver Bear Award at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1991 for Beltenebros brought worldwide recognition for her superb acting.
Her roles are complex, layered and always memorable.
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: New Recognition
In 1994, Stamp played trans woman Bernadette, who goes on a road trip with drag queens.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert earned her Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations.
“Androgyny could be the next social trend,” she told PEOPLE.
And roles that I remember now
Wall Street, The Haunted Mansion, Elektra, Get Smart, Valkyrie, The Adjustment Bureau and 2021’s Last Night in Soho—Stamp lost his identity in every genre.
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace came but he did not like to come back in the next trilogy.
He also won fans’ hearts by giving the voice of Superman’s father Jor-El in Smallville.
Unique moments of life
He married Elizabeth O’Rourke in 2002, when he was 64 and she was only 29 years old.
They parted ways in 2008. Amidst personal highs and lows, Stamp never lost his passion for his industry.
Legacy: Memorable Pen and Craftsmanship
Terence Stamp proved his mettle in different genres, styles and mediums.
His body of work will inspire future actors. Whether villain or hero, the depth and honesty of his acting that is felt in every role will remain with us throughout our lives.