Oscar-nominated actor Terence Stamp, beloved for his roles in both blockbuster cinema and queer classics, has died at the age of 87.
His family confirmed his passing on Sunday morning (17 August), sharing a heartfelt tribute:
“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.”
Stamp is remembered internationally for playing the iconic Superman villain General Zod in the 1978 film Superman and its 1980 sequel, but for the LGBTQ+ community, his most treasured role was as Bernadette Bassenger — a trans woman and performer — in the 1994 Australian classic The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
His performance in Priscilla earned him Golden Globe, BAFTA and AACTA nominations, with critics and audiences praising his tender and nuanced portrayal of Bernadette. Earlier in his career, Stamp had received an Academy Award nomination for his film debut as the title character in Billy Budd (1962).
Remembered by co-stars and fans
Stamp’s Priscilla co-star Guy Pearce shared a moving farewell on X, writing:
“Farewell dear Tel. You were a true inspiration, both in & out of heels. We’ll always have Kings Canyon, Kings Road & F’ing ABBA. Wishing you well on your way ‘Ralph’.”
In Priscilla, Stamp starred alongside Pearce and Hugo Weaving, portraying three drag queens who travel across Australia in a bus named Priscilla, blending humour, camp spectacle, and heartfelt storytelling. Directed by Stephen Elliot, the film became an instant queer classic.
A lasting legacy
Elliot recently confirmed that a long-awaited sequel to Priscilla is in the works, with the original cast on board. Speaking to Deadline, he said:
“The original cast is on board, I’ve got a script that everybody likes, we’re still working out deals … It’s happening. People have been screaming for me to do this for 30 years. And suddenly, I had the realisation that we’re getting old. We’re losing people.”
Stamp’s passing is being mourned across the film and LGBTQ+ communities, with tributes recognising both his unforgettable screen presence and his courage in bringing Bernadette to life during a time when trans representation in film was rare.
