United Kingdom, Aug. 17 -- Terence Stamp has died aged 87.

The veteran star, famed for playing the villainous General Zod in 1978's Superman and Superman II in 1980, passed away on Sunday (17.08.25) morning, his family confirmed.

His cause of death was not immediately given.

In a statement his loved ones said: "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."

Born in London's East End in 1938, Terence was the son of a tugboat stoker and grew up during the bombing raids of the second world war.

After leaving school, he worked as a messenger in advertising before winning a scholarship to drama school....