'Star Wars', 'Superman', And 'Priscilla' Actor Passes, Aged 87

TV & Film

Aug 17

Terence Stamp sitting on a yellow bench — Image Source: Global South World

The British actor, Terence Stamp, passed away on Sunday, August 17 at the age of 87. Stamp was born on July 22, 1938, in Stepney, England to working-class parents. Before his Hollywood days, he went to grammar school and planned to study advertising. However, a scholarship for drama school took his career on a different path that spanned over six decades. Stamp made a name for himself when he debuted as the titular character in 1962’s Billy Budd. That performance received an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and a Golden Globe for Best Newcomer. He found his footing in Hollywood and continued to appear in several movies, including The Collector, Far From the Maddening Crowd, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, and Valkyrie. Later in his career, Stamp played General Zod in Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980).

Stamp’s most challenging role came in 1994 when he played a transgender woman in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. He was unsure about the role at first and thought there would be negative consequences. After the filming, he stated, “But it was only when I got there, and got through the fear, that it became one of the great experiences of my whole career. It was probably the most fun thing I’ve ever done.” There was a sequel to Priscilla planned, and Stamp was already on board as confirmed by the film’s director Stephen Elliot. It is unclear what the future of the film will be after Stamp’s passing.