Oscar nominee made a mark in ‘Superman’ films

The prolific English actor played villain General Zod, the superhero’s nemesis.

- By Jessica GELT

SONIA RECCHIA Getty Images ONSTAGE The actor, shown in 2012, began his career in 1960 in London's West End.

Terence Stamp, the prolific English actor who played General Zod in the “Superman” films and earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of the title character in “Billy Budd,” has died. He was 87.

Stamp died of undisclosed causes Sunday morning, his family confirmed to 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,” the family said in a statement.

Stamp began his acting career onstage in 1960 in London’s West End but quickly received international attention and critical acclaim with his 1962 portrayalofthetitlerolein Peter Ustinov’s adaptation of Herman Melville’s historical adventure novel, “Billy Budd.”

The humanity Stamp imbued in the tragic, stammering naval vessel crewman established Stamp as a talent to watch — with a Golden Globe Award for male newcomer to prove it. Still, Stamp didn't fully break through in Hollywood until 1978 when he embodied the chilling persona of Superman’s arch-nemesis, General Zod, in the first film of what would become a wildly successful franchise. Stamp took on the role again in 1981's “Superman II.”