Terence Stamp, the esteemed actor, passed away on Sunday at the age of 87, prompting tributes from colleagues and family alike. Guy Pearce, his co-star from the acclaimed 1994 film “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” honored Stamp in a post on X, calling him a “true inspiration.” Pearce affectionately wrote, “Fairwell 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’! xxxx.”

Stamp’s memorable role in Stephan Elliot’s “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” alongside Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce, saw him portray a transgender woman in a road film about drag performers touring their cabaret show across the desert. This role marked a significant departure from his previous work, which was noted by film critic Roger Ebert at the time of the film’s release. Ebert commented on the initial unexpected sight of Stamp in drag, but acknowledged his ability to bring a “convincing humanity to the character.”

Following his death, Stamp’s family released a statement to Reuters, emphasizing his lasting legacy: “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 English-born actor first gained widespread recognition for his titular role as the sailor in the 1962 film “Billy Budd,” which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He was perhaps most widely known for his iconic portrayal of General Zod, the formidable Kryptonian villain, in the original “Superman” films. Stamp made a brief appearance in the 1977 “Superman” before returning as the primary antagonist in the 1980 sequel.

In his later career, Stamp continued to appear in diverse cinematic projects. His more recent credits include “The Art of the Steal” in 2013, Tim Burton’s “Big Eyes” in 2014, and a brief cameo in Edgar Wright’s 2021 thriller “Last Night in Soho.” His extensive career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on cinema through his varied and impactful performances.