Veteran British actor Terence Stamp, best remembered for his role as General Zod in the early Superman films, has died at the age of 87.

Stamp, who often portrayed powerful and complex villains, passed away on Sunday, August 17. News of his death was shared in an online notice, sparking a flood of tributes from fans, colleagues, and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).

Born in London, Stamp began his acting career with the 1962 film Billy Budd. His performance in the seafaring drama earned him both Oscar and BAFTA nominations, setting the tone for an extraordinary career.

Across six decades, he left his mark on the film industry. A standout moment came in 1994 with The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, where his moving role as Bernadette brought him a second BAFTA nomination.

Even with his wide range of work, most audiences continue to associate him with General Zod in Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980). His commanding presence and unforgettable lines made the villain one of the most iconic in superhero film history.

Director Edgar Wright, who directed Stamp in his final feature Last Night in Soho (2021), remembered him in an Instagram tribute as “kind, funny, and endlessly fascinating.”