Sir Terrence Stamp is known for a wide range of roles. His career spanned decades and included such characters as Frank Troy in Far from the Madding Crowd, to Billie Budd, and even General Zod from Superman: The Movie, and even Chancellor Vallorum from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. But no role was quite as iconic as Bernadette Bassenger, the transgender woman from The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Here are a few excerpts on Stamp's decision to accept the role of Bernadette.
Stamp admitted to being terrified by the prospect of wearing dresses and makeup, fearing it would be "less stunning than I'd hoped". He also questioned what it would be like to be born into the wrong body or one that doesn't match one's emotions, according to a Facebook video.
An actress, whom he doesn't name, encouraged him to take the role as a "growth move". This perspective helped him move past his initial fears and embrace the character's journey.
Stamp emphasized that his portrayal of Bernadette was not just about the external appearance, but also about the emotional struggles and experiences of the character. According to a news article, he had to consider what it would be like to be born into the wrong body or a body not in harmony with one's emotions.
Stamp has found that the film has resonated with many people, particularly gay men who have expressed their love for the character and the film. The film's message of diversity, acceptance, and the courage to be oneself has had a lasting impact.
While the film is known for its drag performances, Stamp's character is about more than just the outfits. A YouTube interview suggests that the film is about taking a leap, embracing change, and finding one's true self.
22 July 1938 – 17 August 2025
Comments
Wow!
Thank you, ’Drea, for flagging this. I missed the sad news.
— Emma
I was totally unprepared for just how much……
This would affect me. After reading your posting, I was intrigued enough to do some research about him. I had watched the movie, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert some years back, but never made the connection between the actor who played Bernadette with the actor who played General Zod. It never occurred to me that they were the same person - nor that I had also watched him in several other movies - Valkyrie, Phantom Menace, Elektra, Yes Man, Billy Budd, or even Far From the Madding Crowd.
When I read what he had to say about portraying Bernadette Bassenger, and how he felt before playing the part, not to mention how doing so affected him, I was moved. This was not just another part that he played, but rather something which had a deeper meaning, a deeper effect on his thinking.
Sometimes it makes me feel so much less than I am when I realize just how little I know - just how little I pay attention to the things which are happening in the world around me, and how little I truly understand how those things change the world. When my eyes are opened to those moments I am humbled.
D. Eden
“Hier stehe ich; ich kann nicht anders. Gott helfe mir.”
Dum Vivimus, Vivamus
He Lived His Parts
His portrayal of Bernadette was superb. If you saw the movie who could forget him dealing with a homophobe with a knee in the nuts and finally finding love in Alice Springs, or drinking his challenger under the table in Broken Hill.
It seems to be fashionable to find fault with that movie now, but it was a revelation when it came out.
Many of his appearances have become classics. I must have seen Billy Budd when I was in my twenties.
How it hurts when your contemporaries die.