Terence Stamp facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Terence Stamp
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Stamp in 2009
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| Born |
Terence Henry Stamp
22 July 1938 |
| Alma mater | Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1960–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Elizabeth O'Rourke
(m. 2002; div. 2008) |
| Relatives | Chris Stamp (brother) |
Terence Henry Stamp (born 22 July 1938) is an English actor. He is famous for playing smart and interesting villains. Over his long career, he has won many awards, including a Golden Globe Award and a Cannes Film Festival Award.
After studying acting in London, Stamp began his career in 1960. His first movie was Billy Budd. His performance in the film earned him a nomination for an Academy Award. During the 1960s, a time known as the Swinging London era, he became a well-known star. He acted in popular movies like Far from the Madding Crowd (1967) and Poor Cow (1967).
Stamp became even more famous when he played the supervillain General Zod in Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980). He also starred in the hit comedy The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994).
Some of his other famous movies include Wall Street (1987), Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999), Get Smart (2008), Yes Man (2008), Valkyrie (2008), and Last Night in Soho (2021).
Contents
Early Life
Terence Stamp was born in Stepney, London, England. He was the oldest of five children. His father, Thomas, was a stoker on a tugboat, and his mother was Ethel. Because his father was often away at sea with the Merchant Navy, Stamp was mostly raised by his mother, grandmother, and aunts.
When he was three, his mother took him to see the movie Beau Geste. After that, he looked up to the actor Gary Cooper. He was also inspired by the actor James Dean.
Stamp grew up in London during World War II. He lived through the Blitz, which was a time of heavy bombing by German planes. Later, he used this experience to help the director of the movie Valkyrie make a scene about hiding from bombs look realistic. After leaving school, he worked for different advertising companies before deciding to become an actor.
Acting Career
Getting Started
Stamp won a scholarship to study at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. After graduating, he acted in plays. He toured the country in a play with another young actor, Michael Caine. The two became friends and shared an apartment in London.
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Stamp's first movie was Billy Budd (1962). His performance as the main character brought him an Academy Award nomination and made him famous around the world. He then starred in several other movies, including The Collector (1965) and Far from the Madding Crowd (1967).
He later worked with famous Italian directors like Federico Fellini on the film Spirits of the Dead (1968) and Pier Paolo Pasolini on Teorema (1968).
Famous Roles
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Stamp is known for playing many memorable characters. One of his most famous roles was the evil General Zod in Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980). His performance as the powerful villain from Krypton is still remembered by fans today.
In 1994, he starred in the comedy The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. He played a performer named Bernadette Bassenger, which earned him nominations for a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe Award.
In 1999, Stamp played Chancellor Finis Valorum in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. He also appeared in many other popular films, including:
- Get Smart (2008) as the villain Siegfried.
- Yes Man (2008) with Jim Carrey.
- Valkyrie (2008) with Tom Cruise.
- Big Eyes (2014) directed by Tim Burton.
- Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016), also by Tim Burton.
Voice Acting and Other Work
Besides acting in movies, Stamp has also worked as a voice actor. He voiced the villain Mankar Camoran in the video game The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and the Prophet of Truth in Halo 3. He also returned to the Superman story by voicing Superman's father, Jor-El, in the TV series Smallville.
Stamp is also an author. He has written three books about his life and a novel. He has also narrated many documentaries for the BBC, including shows about jazz music and the history of football.
Personal Life
In the 1960s, Stamp lived with his friend and fellow actor Michael Caine in London. His brother, Chris Stamp, was a music manager who helped the famous rock band The Who become successful.
In 1984, the band the Smiths wanted to use a photo of Stamp from the set of his movie The Collector for their single "What Difference Does It Make?". At first, Stamp said no, so the band's singer, Morrissey, recreated the photo himself. Later, Stamp changed his mind and allowed the original photo to be used.
On New Year's Eve 2002, Stamp married Elizabeth O'Rourke. They divorced in 2008.
Selected Filmography
- Billy Budd (1962)
- The Collector (1965)
- Far from the Madding Crowd (1967)
- Superman (1978)
- Superman II (1980)
- Wall Street (1987)
- Young Guns (1988)
- The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
- The Limey (1999)
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
- The Haunted Mansion (2003)
- Elektra (2005)
- Get Smart (2008)
- Yes Man (2008)
- Valkyrie (2008)
- The Adjustment Bureau (2011)
- Big Eyes (2014)
- Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016)
- Murder Mystery (2019)
- Last Night in Soho (2021)
See also
In Spanish: Terence Stamp para niños
