Stephan Elliott, the Australian director of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, has reflected on his 32-year friendship with the late actor Terence Stamp, who died at the age of 87. Elliott recalled first seeing Stamp in The Collector (1965), describing it as a film that 'terrified the daylights out of me'. He noted Stamp's striking eyes, which could 'hold a room' and even stop a restaurant.
Elliott revealed that Stamp initially turned down the role of Bernadette in Priscilla, as many actors had before him. 'He was absolutely terrified to play Bernadette,' Elliott said, adding that Stamp was 'being voted one of the best-looking men on earth' and was suddenly 'dressed up as an old dog'. However, after encouragement from his agent, Stamp agreed to take the part, channelling his fear into the performance.
During filming, Stamp refused to look at himself in mirrors or watch daily rushes, committing fully to the role. By the end of the shoot, he had overcome his fear, and the film became a high point in his career. Elliott and Stamp grew close over the years, with Elliott describing Stamp as a 'loner' and an 'East End boy' who eventually let him into his world.
Stamp often complained that he was only ever asked about Priscilla and Superman, despite his extensive work with directors like Fellini and Pasolini. Elliott noted that Stamp agreed to a Priscilla sequel a few years ago, and they had been working on it recently. 'He was a wonderful man – and he's not done yet,' Elliott concluded.
