Superman’s iconic General Zod, Terence Stamp, dies at 87

Golden Globe-winning Hollywood actor Terence Stamp passed away on Sunday at the age of 87.

Stamp was best known for playing the villain General Zod in the “Superman” franchise. He also appeared in popular films such as The Haunted Mansion and Murder Mysteries.

His family released an official statement saying, “Terence Stamp was an actor and writer whose extraordinary work has left an unforgettable mark on all our lives. His art and storytelling will inspire people for many years. We request privacy during this difficult time.”

Stamp’s personal life often made headlines. He dated actress Julie Christie and supermodel Jean Shrimpton. After his breakup with Jean, he went to India and stayed at the Krishnamurti Ashram. On November 16, 1976, following advice from Osho, he became a monk.

The cause of his death has not been revealed. Stamp was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for the 1962 film Billy Budd. He won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for The Collector and also received a Golden Globe as a newcomer for the same film.

In 2002, at age 64, he married 29-year-old Elizabeth O’Rourke, but the couple divorced in 2008.

Stamp first played General Zod in Richard Donner’s Superman (1978), starring Christopher Reeve. He later appeared in Superman II (1980) and the 2006 Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut.

His last film appearance was in the 2021 movie Last Night in Soho.