Credit: Video Screenshot, 'The Haunted Mansion', DisneyDisney theme parks are full of many memorable rides and attractions, but some make their mark on Disney guests and become the most iconic and popular rides in the parks. They can’t get enough of attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, and Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room.
In fact, some of the rides are so popular that Disney decided to transform them into actual big-screen stories. Pirates of the Caribbean became one of the most popular franchises in Disney history. In 2021, Disney released the live-action Jungle Cruise, starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. Although it didn’t receive rave ratings from critics, audiences loved it, and a sequel film is in the works.
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Unfortunately, not every ride-turned-movie is a hit, and no attraction knows that better than Disney’s Haunted Mansion. Disney has tried twice to make a film based on the attraction, and while the 2023 version had its ups and downs, it did have a relatively positive reception. The same cannot be said for the 2003 version, starring Eddie Murphy, Marsha Thomason, Jennifer Tilly, Wallace Shawn, and Terence Stamp.
In Disney’s Haunted Mansion, Eddie Murphy plays Jim Evers, a workaholic realtor, who brings his family to a creepy mansion. They become trapped in the mansion and must uncover its secrets if they are going to escape.
The movie did incredibly poorly, but many people agreed that one of the highlights was Terence Stamp, who played Ramsley, the butler who turned out to be the real villain. He was strong-willed, creepy, and the perfect person to play the role.
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Terence Stamp left his mark on Disney fans, who still remember his role as Ramsley years later. Sadly, on Sunday, August 17, his family confirmed that the actor had died. He was 87 years old.
His family released a short statement to Reuters following his passing.
“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. “We ask for privacy at this sad time.”
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Terence Stamp was born in London in 1938 and experienced the traumatic bombing of the city during World War II. He went to school with a plan to work in advertising. However, he won a scholarship to attend drama school, and that changed everything.
Over the years, he appeared in a number of notable films and television shows. His breakout role came in 1967 when he played Sergeant Troy in Far From the Madding Crowd. He auditioned for the iconic role of James Bond, but ended up losing out to Sean Connery.
Throughout the 1960s, he worked with famed filmmaker Federico Fellini multiple times. He disappeared for several years, moving to India and studying yoga before making his way back to Hollywood.
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In 1978, Stamp landed the role that would cement his mark in Hollywood, General Zod in Superman. He revived the role for the sequel film, Superman II, in 1980. That wasn’t the only part he would play in Superman history. He also provided the voice of Jor-El, Superman’s biological father, in the popular series, Smallville.
Disney fans might also recognize Stamp as Chancellor Valorum in Star Wars: Episode One – The Phantom Menace (1999).
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Terence Stamp. He had a huge impact on Hollywood and those who worked with him. He will be fondly remembered for all the memorable roles he played.