Terence Stamp

Terence Stamp has passed away at the age of 87. The actor is best known to-day for playing General Zod in Richard Donner's Superman movies and his performance was certainly what solidified the character's status as one of the most famous comic book villains of all time. His vampiric makeup and subzero demeanour give the impression of merciless, unshakable will.

His role in 1978's Superman and 1980's Superman II was by no means the beginning of his career. He had starring roles in films by William Wyler, Ken Loach, and Pier Paolo Pasolini throughout the '60s and '70s. In the 1980s, he transitioned gracefully into mostly supporting roles in films. He played the Chancellor in Star Wars: Episode I and fans of the Elder Scrolls video games remember him as one of the villains in Oblivion, which also featured Patrick Stewart and Sean Bean. Oblivion was re-released just this year with updated graphics so a whole new audience is being introduced to him again.

But his career as a lead didn't end after Superman. He had well-regarded lead performance in 1999's The Limey and 1994's Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. He was one of those actors whom I never looked for but was always happy to see.