Terence Stamp, the British heartthrob whose performance as the arch-villain in early Superman films and as the title role in Billy Budd won critical praise, died on Sunday. He was 87.

A representative for Stamp confirmed his death to NPR, but did not specify the cause.

"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," Stamp's family wrote in a statement.

Often associated with the Swinging '60s, Stamp became a sought-after actor for both his distinctive good looks and the versatility of his performances, portraying everything from a humble sailor to shadow-haunted super-villains. The Guardian dubbed him the "master of the brooding silence," yet he resisted ever being typecast by takin

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