‘Superman’ Actor Passes Away & Tributes Pour In

British actor Terence Stamp, best known for his role as the menacing General Zod in the “Superman” films, has passed away at the age of 87, his family confirmed Sunday.

In a statement to Reuters, Stamp’s family said, “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 Role of a Lifetime

Although Stamp’s career covered a wide range of characters, he will always be linked to General Zod, the powerful Kryptonian villain in “Superman” (1978) and “Superman II” (1980). His chilling demand, “Kneel before Zod,” became an enduring line in film history.

Outside of the superhero franchise, he continued to showcase versatility. Stamp played a transgender woman in “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” (1994), appeared in V”alkyrie” (2008) alongside Tom Cruise, and starred in “The Adjustment Bureau” (2011) with Matt Damon.

He also worked with Tim Burton on several projects, reinforcing his standing as a sought-after character actor.

Born in London’s East End in 1938, Stamp’s early life was shaped by wartime bombings during World War II.

Before pursuing acting, he worked in advertising, but a scholarship to drama school changed everything. His breakout role in “Billy Budd” (1962), directed by Peter Ustinov, earned him an Academy Award nomination and set him on a path to international acclaim.

The 1960s brought critical recognition with projects like Pier Paolo Pasolini’s “Theorem” (1968), while his personal life made headlines as part of London’s cultural scene.

Stamp was married to Elizabeth O’Rourke in 2002, with the marriage resulting in a divorce in 2008. 

A Lasting Legacy

Fans took to social media to express how sad they were by the news.

“This is so sad. What an actor. We’ll miss you Terence Stamp. Zod is finally released from the Phantom Zone and on to better worlds,” one user wrote.

Another added, “The offical bad guy 🙏🏽 rip zod.”

Others noted how he was also in “Star Wars.” “He was also the Chancellor in Star Wars that Palpatine replaced. He also was the dad in Young Guns…R.I.P.,” the user wrote.

Another added how he was “A true screen legend whose work will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.”

“Rest in peace great General Sod, thank you for making my childhood bearable,” one user noted.

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