Kneel Before Zod!

Kneel Before Zod!

Sad news to pass along that English actor Terence Stamp has died at age 87. An Oscar-nominated actor, recipient of multiple awards with a long career in film, television, and theatre, I know him best as General Zod from Superman II, Chancellor Valorum from Star Wars: Episode I, and Ramsley from 2003’s Haunted Mansion. Listeners of my annual Halloween jukebox might also recognize him as the title character in the relatively obscure 1970 film The Mind of Mr. Soames.

Another memory of General Zod springs to mind. When my son was in elementary school, I’d take him to school in the morning where all grades would line up outside for the Pledge of Allegiance and daily announcements. This daily ceremony was often lead by the school Principal, but occasionally they would ask either a student or one of the parents to lead the school in the pledge. I would regular tease my son and tell him that if I were picked for this honor, I would exclaim in-character “kneel before Zod!” before handing the microphone back. Sam was not amused by this fearful possibility. It’s a shame that it never happened, nor that anyone besides me, my son, and perhaps another parent would even know the reference I’d be making. But I knew.

Rest in peace, Zod.