• Terence Stamp, famous for playing General Zod in Superman films, passed away at age 87.
• His family confirmed his death, highlighting his legendary body of work.
• Stamp's career spanned over six decades, with memorable roles in various iconic films.

Terence Stamp, the acclaimed actor who portrayed the arch-villain General Zod in the "Superman" films, has died at the age of 87, as confirmed by his family on Sunday. They stated that he "leaves behind an extraordinary body of work, both as an actor and as a writer that will continue to touch and inspire people for years to come," requesting privacy during this sad time, according to Reuters.

Born in London’s East End in 1938, Stamp was the son of a tugboat stoker and faced hardships during World War II, which influenced his later artistic career. Initially venturing into advertising, he won a scholarship to attend drama school, eventually gaining acclaim for his role in "Billy Budd," which earned him an Oscar nomination in 1962, reports Los Angeles Times.

Stamp's breakthrough came with his portrayal of General Zod in "Superman" (1978) and its sequel in 1980, where he established himself as a captivating villain. He was known for his powerful performances in various films, including "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert," where he played a transgender woman, and "Valkyrie" alongside Tom Cruise, according to Channel News Asia and Black Enterprise.

Throughout his illustrious career, Stamp also starred in iconic films such as "Wall Street" (1987) and worked with notable directors including Federico Fellini. His ability to connect deeply with his characters is what he believed defined his impressive career trajectory, as he once said, "When you’ve had a long career you kind of merge all your great roles together," according to HuffPost and BBC News.

Stamp's charm, striking good looks, and dedicated performances earned him respect and admiration within the film industry. He shared rich relationships with notable personalities of his time, including Julie Christie and Michael Caine, and was often a central figure in the 'swinging 60s' London scene, as noted in reports from Reuters and Newsweek.

Stamp's death marks the end of an era, but his influence in cinema will continue to resonate with fans and fellow actors alike. His legacy is characterized by a diverse array of roles that showcase his versatility and dedication to the craft of acting, according to South China Morning Post and CBS News.