If your web homepage includes any type of news updates, you most likely saw that "87 year old Superman actor Terence Stamp" died yesterday. Although he did an amazing job portraying General Zod in 1978's Superman and 1980's Superman II, he did far more.
Stamp appeared in over 60 movies since his career began in 1962. I obviously don't have time to do all of his work justice, but I would like to hit on a few of my favorites.
First of all, I completely understand why everyone is remembering him as the actor who portrayed Genral Zod. Superman is incredibly popular right now so it is only natural that people remember his role in what I , and many others, consider the best Superman movie ever made. If you have not seen Superman II, it is awesome! A big part of what makes it so good is Stamp's portrayal of the main villain General Zod who leads two other Kryptonians who had been banished from Krypton before it explodes. All three have super-powers and pose a huge threat to Superman and the Earth. General Zod is a vicious and powerful super-villain who I loved to hate as a kid... and I still do.
Even though I loved him as Zod, that is not my favorite role of Terence Stamp. That honor goes to one of these three (I honestly can't pick which one).
Wilson from 1999's The Limey. I LOVE this movie. If you haven't seen it, the story is a typical "guy looking for revenge" one. But thanks to Stamp, it becomes so much more. Stamp plays Wilson, a tough ex-con who has just been released from jail in England. Stamp spend the movie trying to find out what happened to his adult daughter in Los Angeles. And then he wants to punish anyone who he thinks deserves it. Even though he knows nothing of L.A., apparently the crime world is the crime world anywhere and Wilson navigates it like the pro he is.
Bernadette from 1994's Priscilla Queen of the Desert. This role blew a lot of people away. Up until this point in his career, Stamp had played a lot of tough guys. But in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Stamp plays a transgender woman who joins with a couple of other drag queens to travel across Australia to a resort where they will perform. This movie was way ahead of its time and showed these woman to be deep compelling characters. It is an important story of acceptance and embracing who you are.
The Silver-Haired Gentleman from 2021's Last Night In Soho. I have to be careful with this one. There are many spoilers for Last Night in Soho. If you have not seen it, it is a cinematic masterpiece. It includes some of the most amazing cinematography and editing you will ever see. Stamp plays a very important character who the main character Ellie investigates. I can't say much more without ruining the movie so just trust me that Stamp's performance is unforgettable and you should definitely see this movie.
Terence Stamp was an amazing actor who left his mark on the movie world. What was your favorite role of his?