Hollywood is honoring the late Terence Stamp, the icon who played “Superman” in the original Richard Donner superhero film released in 1978.
Stamp portrayed the villain General Zod in the original film and its sequel, “Superman II” in 1980.
His “Superman” career didn’t end there. Stamp was the voice of Jor-El, Clark Kent’s biological father from Krypton, in the series “Smallville,” according to his IMDB biography.
He also appeared in “Young Guns” as John Tunstall, “The Haunted Mansion” as butler Ramsley and “Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace” as Chancellor Valorum.
Stamp died on Aug. 17 at the age of 87. No cause of death was given. His 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,” People magazine reported.
“Last Night in Soho” filmmaker Edgar Wright remembered Stamp on X, writing, "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Terence Stamp, a British actor who was truly iconic. An East Ender that rose to such fame in Swinging Sixties London, he could rightly be called its epicentre. Terence’s career spanned seven decades and never stopped surprising. I was fortunate enough to work with him on what became his final screen role in Last Night in Soho."
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Terence Stamp, a British actor who was truly iconic. An East Ender that rose to such fame in Swinging Sixties London, he could rightly be called its epicentre. Terence’s career spanned seven decades and never stopped surprising. I was… pic.twitter.com/sE6aqDSLAb
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) August 17, 2025
“Alien Nation” producer Gale Anne Hurd called him “a brilliant actor.”
Terence Stamp was a brilliant actor. I think he and Peter O'Toole not onlv had the most mesmerizing eyes...but delivered equally indelible performances. https://t.co/qfHLIzZq9B
— Gale Anne Hurd (@GunnerGale) August 17, 2025
“Young Guns” co-star Lou Diamond Phillips said the cast was “incredibly privileged to have worked with him” on the film.
Terribly saddened to hear this. We were all incredibly privileged to have worked with him on Young Guns. He grounded all of us and truly elevated the filming experience. Such class and artistry. What a kind, beautiful, generous man. RIP https://t.co/Cz0LCTMxZr
— Lou Diamond Phillips (@LouDPhillips) August 17, 2025
Guy Pierce, who starred with Stamp in “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” called him “a true inspiration, both in & out of heels.”
Valerie Perrine, who also starred in “Superman” but wasn’t in a scene with Stamp, called him “A phenomenal actor and beautiful man.”
RIP Terence Stamp! A phenomenal actor and beautiful man. I never had the honor to have a scene with him in Superman. I admired his body of work. He will be missed!
— valerie perrine (@TheValPerrine) August 17, 2025
Kneel Before Zod! ❤️#superman #terencestamp pic.twitter.com/VJ5joWnhQ7
Michael McKean simply wrote, “Real deal.”
Real deal. https://t.co/eyMb6XiCun
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) August 17, 2025
© 2025 Cox Media Group