Terrence Stamp, known for starring in multiple films and playing supervillain General Zod in the Superman films, died on Sunday morning (August 17) aged 87.
Terence was born in Stepney in 1938 before moving to Plaistow where he attended Plaistow County Grammar School.
After leaving the school, he continued to attend associated events and reunions, where fellow alumni and former editor of the Newham Recorder Colin Grainger socialised with him.
“The first time I saw him was when he wore a pink suit to our summer fair at Plaistow County Grammar School – it could have been any year from between 1968 and 1971,” said Colin.
“We had no idea whether he would turn up but he walked in and was very charming and extremely nice for two-to-three hours.
“A few of the women said they were all falling over themselves and gasping for breath because he was very good looking and very charming.
“There were around eight of us at a table and then he moved on to another table because everyone wanted to talk to him but he was lovely and he bought a round of drinks.”
Terence Stamp (man on left) and Colin Grainger (man on right) at a school reunion (Image: Colin Grainger) Stamp’s first role was as the title character in the 1962 movie Billy Budd which earned him an Oscar nomination and proved to be his big break.
The role was followed by turns in many 60s films, including Term of Trial, The Collector, Modesty Blaise, Far from the Madding Crowd, Teorema and Poor Cow.
Perhaps most famously, Terence was casted as General Zod in Richard Donner’s 1978 Superman and its 1980 sequel Superman II.
As well as interacting with Terence during school reunions, Colin spoke to the actor multiple times for articles in the Newham Recorder.
“Nowadays you don’t get to talk to the stars – you have to go through 15 agents but he was always happy to talk directly to me,” Colin recalled.
“With Terence, I got to speak to him and he’d ask how I am – he was very good to the local press.
“He was just charming and he remained that way and he was a great storyteller.”
After hearing about Terence’s death, Colin posted on Facebook. He wrote: “Sad to hear of the death of ‘one of our own’ superstar actor Terence Stamp.
“Interviewed the former Plaistow Grammar School pupil many times and he always proud of his east London roots.
“He told us some great stories, each sprinkled with magic, like his recent trip to Plaistow with his senior travel card!
“He always had time to talk to the Newham Recorder.
“A diamond actor and lovely man. R.I.P Terence – thanks for the memories.”
Some people publicly commented on Colin’s post sharing their own memories.
Mary Mcanulty wrote: “How I swooned when I saw him in that pink suit. RIP Terence Stamp.”
Vanessa Barlow commented: “The most handsome man went to school with my dad. I actually met him on a number five bus coming home from East Ham and had great conversation with him.
“He kissed my hand and fell off the bus – never forgot him. Fly high. Should have been knighted”
Linda Stock said: “I was at the meet up he came to. As you say, he was happy to chat to everyone. God Bless Terry. You will always be remembered.”
