Terence Stamp, the Oscar-nominated actor best known for his unforgettable role as General Zod in “Superman,” has died at 87. His family confirmed the news on Sunday, August 17th, in a statement published by Reuters.
“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,” they said in a statement to Reuters. “We ask for privacy at this sad time.”
Behind the cameras, Stamp was as famous for his romances as for his films. Let’s take a deeper look at his romantic life.
A Life of Romance & Headlines
(Photo by Terry Disney/Express/Getty Images)Behind the cameras, Stamp was as famous for his romances as for his films. In the 1960s, he was linked to two of Britain’s most celebrated women: supermodel Jean Shrimpton and actress Julie Christie.
With Christie, he formed one of the decade’s most glamorous couples, even starring opposite her in the 1967 classic “Far From the Madding Crowd.”
(Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)Though their relationships ended, Stamp later reflected that losing Shrimpton coincided with a difficult dip in his career, a time he described as one of both heartbreak and transition.
Marriage to Elizabeth O’Rourke
(Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images)Stamp’s most publicized romance came later in life. In 1998, he met Elizabeth O’Rourke, a pharmacy student in Bondi, New South Wales, while visiting Australia. Four years later, on New Year’s Eve in 2002, the pair wed in a ceremony that drew attention for their 35-year age gap. He was 64, and she was 29.
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)The marriage lasted six years. O’Rourke filed for divorce in 2008, citing Stamp’s “unreasonable behaviour.” Despite the split, Stamp spoke warmly of their time together. “We had an incredible amount of fun,” he told the Daily Mail in 2013. “She went back to Australia, and that’s why I don’t see her, but if I do go there, I’m sure I will.”
(Photo: VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)Stamp never had children but often said he enjoyed spending time with his nieces’ children, describing it as a joy similar to that of being a grandfather.
Following news of his passing, fans and fellow actors shared heartfelt tributes. Actress Vivien Reid wrote, “Rest in peace Terence Stamp you talented marvellous human #TerenceStamp I loved your work so incredibly gifted. Those eyes! That voice.”
Filmmaker Marc Sinden added, “Oh no. Terence Stamp is gone. One of THE loveliest (in all ways) of men. Kind, intelligent, very funny and had more charisma in his little finger than most people have in their entire body and a joy to be around. RIP.”
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Terence Stamp’s Romance History