Who was Terence Stamp’s wife? Family details of ‘Superman’ star explored as he passes away at 87

Popular English actor Terence Stamp, known for portraying Kryptonian villain General Zod in the 1978 and 1980 Superman movies, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025. The actor died at age 87. The news was revealed by his family via an official statement to news outlets.

“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. We ask for privacy at this sad time,” his family announced via Reuters.

Terence Henry Stamp, born to Ethel Esther and Thomas Stamp on July 22, 1938, was the eldest of five children. After making his acting debut in 1962 with the film Billy Budd, Terence Stamp received media coverage for his romantic relationship with actress Julie Christie and then supermodel Jean Shrimpton. He and Shrimpton have been recognised as one of the most-photographed couples of Mod London.

Terence wasn't linked with anyone romantically after his relationship with Shrimpton ended until 2002, when the actor married pharmacist Elizabeth O’Rourke. The two tied the knot on New Year's Eve of 2002. The actor was 64 and Elizabeth was 29 when they married.

The couple divorced in April 2008, with “unreasonable behaviour” as the cited reason. However, in a 2013 interview with Times magazine, the actor joked about them disagreeing over alternative medicine.

“When I was married, my wife was very scornful of it. Being a pharmacist, she thought it was a load of sh*t. But if we both got a cold, mine was over in a day, whereas hers lasted for weeks. That pissed her off,” he said.

Terence Stamp didn't have any kids of his own. According to the actor, a stable lifestyle has never been for him.

“A house and stability have never been for me. I haven’t had a permanent home for 15 years. I flit from friends’ houses to hotels. I don’t work for money so I learn to live only with what I need,” he told The Times in 2013.

More details on Terence Stamp's acting career

Terence Stamp began his acting career in 1962 when he landed the role of Billy Budd in Peter Ustinov's adaptation of Herman Melville's Billy Budd. The role gained him widespread recognition and his first Academy Award nomination.

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In addition to his iconic portrayal of Billy Budd, the Black Out actor is also well-known for his role as General Zod in Richard Donner's Superman. He gained recognition for this character and has appeared in several other films, including The Collector, The Hit, Beltenebros, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, The Limey, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Song for Marion, and Murder Mystery.

Terence received numerous accolades and recognition throughout his career. His accomplishments include winning a Beijing International Film Festival award, a Cannes Film Festival award, a Golden Globe Award, a Mystfest award, a San Francisco International Film Festival award, two Satellite Awards, and a Seattle International Film Festival award.

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