Richard Chamberlain: A Legendary Actor’s Life and Career

LOS ANGELES — Richard Chamberlain, the handsome hero of the 1960s television series Dr. Kildare who found a second career as an award-winning “king of the miniseries,” has died. He was 90.

Chamberlain died Saturday night in Waimanalo, Hawaii, of complications following a stroke, according to his publicist, Harlan Boll.

“Our beloved Richard is with the angels now. He is free and soaring to those loved ones before us,” Martin Rabbett, his lifelong partner, said in a statement. ”How blessed were we to have known such an amazing and loving soul. Love never dies. And our love is under his wings lifting him to his next great adventure.”

Early Life and Career

Born George Richard Chamberlain in Beverly Hills on March 31, 1934, the actor originally studied at Pomona College to be a painter. But after returning from the Army, where he had served as an infantry clerk in the Korean War, Chamberlain decided to try acting.

He studied voice and drama, and after appearing in guest roles in a handful of TV shows and in the 1960 film The Secret of the Purple Reef, he won the Dr. Kildare role.

Tall, with classic good looks and romantic style, Chamberlain became an instant favorite with teenage girls as the compassionate physician on the TV series that aired from 1961 to 1966. Photoplay magazine named him most popular male star for three years in a row, from 1963-65.

Rise to Fame

The actor became known as “king of the TV miniseries” in 1978 when he landed the starring role in Centennial, an epic production 24 hours long and based on James Michener’s sprawling novel. He followed that in 1980 with Shogun, another costly, epic miniseries based on James Clavell’s period piece about an American visitor to Japan.

He scored his greatest miniseries success in 1983 with another long-form drama, The Thorn Birds, based on Colleen McCullough’s best-seller. He played Father Ralph de Bricassart, a Roman Catholic priest in Australia who falls in love with beautiful Meggie Cleary (Rachel Ward). The ABC production, which also starred Barbara Stanwyck, reportedly attracted 100 million viewers.

Awards and Accolades

Chamberlain won Golden Globes for his work in Shogun and The Thorn Birds. Years earlier, he received one for Dr. Kildare.

When the public began to lose interest in miniseries, Chamberlain turned to the theater, where he displayed a fine singing voice. He appeared as Henry Higgins in a 1994 Broadway revival of My Fair Lady and as Captain von Trapp in a 1999 revival of The Sound of Music.

Personal Life

Not until 2003 did he acknowledge publicly what Hollywood insiders had long known. He made the revelation that he was gay in his autobiography, Shattered Love.

The book also described a troubled childhood and an alcoholic father, and Chamberlain said writing it finally lifted a heavy emotional burden. He also expressed relief that he was no longer hiding his sexuality.

“I played a cat-and-mouse game with the press. Game over,” said Chamberlain, who for years was involved with fellow actor Martin Rabbett.

Legacy

Chamberlain continued to act well into the 21st century, appearing on such television shows as Will & Grace, The Drew Carey Show, and Touched by an Angel.

He also appeared in numerous films, including The Music Lovers (as Tchaikovsky), The Madwoman of Chaillot, The Towering Inferno, and The Three Musketeers and its sequels.

Conclusion

Richard Chamberlain’s life and career were marked by his talent, dedication, and perseverance. He will be remembered as a legendary actor who touched the hearts of millions with his performances on screen and stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was Richard Chamberlain’s most famous role?

A: Richard Chamberlain’s most famous role was as Dr. Kildare in the 1960s television series.

Q: What was Richard Chamberlain’s sexuality?

A: Richard Chamberlain was gay, and he publicly acknowledged his sexuality in his 2003 autobiography, Shattered Love.

Q: What awards did Richard Chamberlain win?

A: Richard Chamberlain won Golden Globes for his work in Shogun, The Thorn Birds, and Dr. Kildare.