Aug 17, 08:20 PM

General Zod Actor Terence Stamp Dies at 87

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British actor Terence Stamp, whose icy portrayal of General Zod in the first two Superman films made him an enduring pop-culture figure, has died at the age of 87. His family announced the death on Sunday, 17 August, without disclosing a cause and asked for privacy, saying he "leaves behind an extraordinary body of work that will continue to touch and inspire people for years to come." Born in London’s East End in 1938, Stamp vaulted to stardom with his screen debut in 1962’s "Billy Budd," earning an Academy Award nomination. Three years later he captured the best-actor prize at Cannes for "The Collector." Over a six-decade career he ranged from mainstream blockbusters to arthouse fare, including "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert," Steven Soderbergh’s "The Limey," and roles in "Valkyrie" and "The Adjustment Bureau." He also appeared as Supreme Chancellor Valorum in "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace." Stamp’s resonant voice and commanding presence extended to television and video-game work, notably voicing Jor-El in "Smallville" and characters in "The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion." Tributes from across the film industry highlighted his versatility and the influence of a career that helped shape British cinema’s Swinging Sixties moment and the modern superhero genre alike.