Richard Chamberlain, the charismatic actor best known for his role as Dr. Kildare in the 1960s TV series and later celebrated as the “king of the miniseries,” passed away at 90. He died on Saturday night in Waimanalo, Hawaii, due to complications from a stroke, according to his publicist.
Chamberlain’s longtime partner, Martin Rabbett, shared a heartfelt tribute: “Our beloved Richard is with the angels now. He is free and soaring to those loved ones before us. How blessed were we to have known such an amazing and loving soul. Love never dies.”
Standing tall with timeless good looks, Chamberlain became a teenage heartthrob as the compassionate Dr. Kildare on the hit show that aired from 1961 to 1966. His charm earned him the title of most popular male star from Photoplay magazine for three consecutive years, from 1963 to 1965.
In 2003, Chamberlain publicly came out as gay in his autobiography, Shattered Love, revealing a truth that Hollywood had long suspected.
Chamberlain’s transition to miniseries stardom began in 1978 with Centennial, a 24-hour epic based on James Michener’s novel. He followed this success with Shogun in 1980, a lavish adaptation of James Clavell’s tale set in feudal Japan. His most acclaimed miniseries role came in 1983’s The Thorn Birds, where he played Father Ralph de Bricassart, a priest torn between faith and forbidden love. The series captivated over 100 million viewers and earned Chamberlain a Golden Globe for his performance.
His accolades also include Golden Globes for Shogun, The Thorn Birds, and Dr. Kildare.
As miniseries popularity waned, Chamberlain shifted to theater, showcasing his musical talents. He starred as Henry Higgins in the 1994 Broadway revival of My Fair Lady and as Captain von Trapp in a 1999 revival of The Sound of Music. He also reprised his role as Father de Bricassart in the 1996 TV movie The Thorn Birds: The Missing Years.
Chamberlain’s film career included roles in The Music Lovers (as Tchaikovsky), The Madwoman of Chaillot, The Towering Inferno, and The Three Musketeers alongside Oliver Reed.
Despite his fame, Chamberlain often felt constrained by Hollywood’s expectations. In Shattered Love, he spoke about the challenges of hiding his sexuality, attending events with female co-stars to maintain appearances, and the emotional toll it took.
Born George Richard Chamberlain on March 31, 1934, in Beverly Hills, he initially studied art at Pomona College before serving as an infantry clerk in the Korean War. Afterward, he pursued acting, studying voice and drama. His breakthrough came with Dr. Kildare, though he struggled to escape the role’s shadow.
Chamberlain also performed in stage productions like Hamlet and films such as Julius Caesar, alongside Charlton Heston. He continued acting into the 21st century with appearances on shows like Will & Grace, The Drew Carey Show, and Touched by an Angel.
Chamberlain’s legacy is one of talent, resilience, and the courage to live authentically, leaving behind a lasting mark on television, theater, and film.
