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Terence Stamp, Iconic British Actor, Passes Away Aged 87

August 18, 2025 8:30 am in by

A Storied Life Comes to a Close

Terence Stamp, the legendary British actor best known for his fierce portrayal of General Zod in Superman and his stirring role in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, has passed away on Sunday, 17 August 2025, at the age of 87.

Actor Terence Stamp attending the premiere of ‘Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ on August 9, 1994 at the Cinerama Dome Theater in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
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From East End Beginnings to Global Fame

Born in London’s East End in July 1938, Stamp grew up during World War II and started out in advertising before earning a scholarship to drama school. He burst onto the scene in 1962 with an Oscar-nominated debut in Billy Budd, quickly becoming a symbol of 1960s Swinging London.

Terence Stamp coming out of the water with two pistols in a scene from the film ‘Blue’, 1967. (Photo by Paramount/Getty Images)

A Career of Bold and Memorable Roles

Over more than six decades, Stamp worked with acclaimed directors like Pasolini and Fellini, delivering unforgettable performances. Australians will especially remember him for Priscilla, where he played a transgender woman, a role that earned him Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations.

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Actor Terence Stamp attending 52nd Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 21, 1995 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Blockbusters and Lasting Legacy

Beyond Superman and Priscilla, he appeared in Star Wars: Episode I, The Limey, and Last Night in Soho. His commanding presence and deep voice left a mark on both arthouse films and Hollywood hits. Stamp’s work, especially Priscilla, resonated strongly with Australian audiences. His elegant, cool and fearless choices made him a true icon of cinema.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 23: Terence Stamp attends “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” screening during 33rd BFI FLARE Film Festival at BFI Southbank on March 23, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Francis/Getty Images)

A Family’s Farewell

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In a statement, his family said: “He leaves behind an extraordinary body of work… that will continue to touch and inspire people for years to come. We ask for privacy at this sad time.”

TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 15: Actor Terence Stamp is interviewed as he attends the “Song For Marion” Premiere during the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival held at Roy Thomson Hall on September 15, 2012 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images)


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