Hollywood Remembers Terence Stamp

Family, friends, and collaborators of the late Terence Stamp continue to mourn the actor’s death, and the outpouring of love from Hollywood online has been overwhelming. Among those remembering Stamp on social media is none other than his fellow Superman: The Movie and Superman II costar, Valerie Perrine. Perrine portrayed Miss Teschmacher in the two films, while Stamp played the Kryptonian General Zod, but, sadly, the two performers never shared the screen together in either project. Perrine honored Stamp on X (@TheValPerrine) by writing the following:

"RIP Terence Stamp! A phenomenal actor and beautiful man. I never had the honor to have a scene with him in Superman. I admired his body of work. He will be missed! Kneel Before Zod! ❤️"

Edgar Wright had the opportunity to direct Stamp in the 2021 psychological horror film Last Night in Soho, which turned out to be the actor’s last performance on the big screen. Wright wrote a lengthy tribute via X (@edgarwright), but it’s his recollection of an on-set moment with Stamp that was arguably the most moving portion of the post:

"If I have a regret, it’s that he had to endure a few night shoots — tough for an older actor. Yet this gave rise to an anecdote that lives on in Soho. In one scene, his character exits The Toucan pub via the basement stairs. It was late, and Terence — who never did many takes — looked at the setup and said: 'This shot isn't going to be in the movie.' I asked why. He deadpanned: 'This staircase isn't good enough to be in a movie.' It was one of the funniest things ever said to me on set. We did the shot and I promised it would make the cut."

One of Hollywood's most influential producers, Gale Anne Hurd, of The Walking Dead, The Terminator, and Aliens fame, worked with Stamp on the 1988 sci-fi action film Alien Nation, and she also posted a tender memorial on social media, which compared Stamp to another of Hollywood’s legendary thespians, Peter O’Toole. Hurd (@GunnerGale) wrote:

"Terence Stamp was a brilliant actor. I think he and Peter O'Toole not onlv had the most mesmerizing eyes... but delivered equally indelible performances."

Terence Stamp's Impressive Legacy

Terence Stamp is undoubtedly best remembered for playing General Zod in Superman II (1981), but there are other films on the late actor’s resume which clearly stand out, including The Collector (1965), The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and The Limey. Another memorable movie is none other than Young Guns. The 1988 Western featured a who’s who of Hollywood talent, and Stamp played the on-screen version of the real-life John Tunstall, who mentored and took care of his group of Regulators, including Emilio Estevez’s Billy the Kid and Lou Diamond Phillips’ Chavez. Phillips recalled working with Stamp on X (@LouDPhillips) by writing:

"Terribly saddened to hear this. We were all incredibly privileged to have worked with him on Young Guns. He grounded all of us and truly elevated the filming experience. Such class and artistry. What a kind, beautiful, generous man. RIP."

Stephan Elliott directed Stamp in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and the filmmaker remembered the famed actor pushing himself and his creativity on that particular set as Stamp had to expand his acting chops. Elliott said in an interview with The Guardian:

"Terence admitted he was absolutely terrified to play Bernadette — he was being voted one of the best-looking men on earth and suddenly, in Priscilla, he was, and this is a direct quote, 'Dressed up as an old dog.' But he put the pain of what he was going through into the performance, and that’s what made the film."

In addition to Hollywood’s heavyweights, some of the world’s greatest musicians, including Stamp’s friend and The Rolling Stones' own Keith Richards, remembered the actor on X. "Terence Stamp," Richards wrote (@officialKeef), "Farewell, my friend!!" Billy Idol added (@BillyIdol):

"I interviewed Terrence once for details, magazine, New York. It was fantastic meeting him. He was great."

Terence Stamp died on Sunday, August 17, at the age of 87. He was nominated for an Academy Award (Best Supporting Actor) thanks to his performance in Billy Budd (1962), and won a Golden Globe (Most Promising Newcomer) for playing the film's title role. Years later, many television and comic book fans were thrilled when the General Zod actor returned to the world of Superman as he voiced Clark Kent/Kal-El’s (Tom Welling) Kryptonian father, Jor-El, in the WB and later CW series Smallville.

Rest in peace, Terence Stamp.