LOS ANGELES (AP) — Richard Chamberlain, the beloved star of the 1960s television series “Dr. Kildare,” has passed away at the age of 90. He died on Saturday night in Waimanalo, Hawaii, due to complications following a stroke, as reported by his publicist, Harlan Boll. Martin Rabbett, Chamberlain’s lifelong partner, shared a heartfelt statement, saying, “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. And our love is under his wings lifting him to his next great adventure.”
Tall and strikingly handsome, Richard Chamberlain quickly became a household name as the compassionate physician in “Dr. Kildare,” which aired from 1961 to 1966. His classic good looks and romantic style made him a favorite among teenage girls, and he was named the most popular male star by Photoplay magazine for three consecutive years, from 1963 to 1965. Although he maintained a public image of heterosexuality for decades, he publicly acknowledged his sexuality in 2003 through his autobiography, “Shattered Love.”
Chamberlain earned the title of the “king of the TV miniseries” in 1978 when he starred in “Centennial,” an epic production that spanned 24 hours and was based on James Michener’s acclaimed novel. He followed this success with another landmark miniseries, “Shogun,” in 1980, which was adapted from James Clavell’s historical narrative about an American’s experiences in Japan. However, his most significant success came in 1983 with “The Thorn Birds,” where he portrayed Father Ralph de Bricassart, a Roman Catholic priest who falls in love with Meggie Cleary, played by Rachel Ward. This ABC production attracted an astounding 100 million viewers and solidified Chamberlain’s status as a leading man in television.
Throughout his illustrious career, Richard Chamberlain won multiple Golden Globe Awards for his outstanding performances in “Shogun” and “The Thorn Birds,” as well as earlier recognition for his role in “Dr. Kildare.” With the declining popularity of miniseries, Chamberlain transitioned to the theater, showcasing his impressive singing voice in productions like the 1994 Broadway revival of “My Fair Lady” and the 1999 revival of “The Sound of Music.” He also reprised his role of Father de Bricassart in the 1996 TV movie “The Thorn Birds: The Missing Years.”
In addition to his television success, Chamberlain appeared in numerous films, including “The Music Lovers,” “The Madwoman of Chaillot,” “The Towering Inferno,” and “The Three Musketeers” along with its sequels. The Dr. Kildare series was based on successful films from the 1930s and '40s that starred Lew Ayres in the titular role. Chamberlain’s charm and All-American appeal propelled him to stardom alongside Vince Edwards, the lead of the competing medical show “Ben Casey.”
Despite his fame, Chamberlain faced significant personal challenges. In his autobiography, he revealed the struggles of hiding his sexuality and the societal pressures he felt in Hollywood. He often accompanied glamorous actresses to public events at the behest of studio executives and deflected questions about his marital status with a rehearsed line, “Getting married would be great, but I’m awfully busy now.” Chamberlain expressed his relief at no longer needing to conceal who he was, stating, “I played a cat-and-mouse game with the press. Game over.”
Born George Richard Chamberlain on March 31, 1934, in Beverly Hills, California, he initially pursued a career in painting at Pomona College. However, after serving as an infantry clerk in the Korean War, he shifted his focus to acting. Following guest roles in various TV shows and a film appearance in “The Secret of the Purple Reef” in 1960, Chamberlain secured the iconic role of “Dr. Kildare.” After the series ended, he sought to break free from the handsome physician stereotype, moving to England to refine his craft under director Richard Lester, appearing in films such as “Petulia” (1968) and “The Return of the Musketeers” (1989).
Chamberlain's career extended well into the 21st century, with appearances in popular television shows like “Will & Grace,” “The Drew Carey Show,” and “Touched by an Angel.” His contributions to film and television have left an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of actors.
Richard Chamberlain's journey from a young aspiring actor to a celebrated star is a testament to his talent, resilience, and enduring appeal. He will be remembered not only for his iconic roles but also for his courage in living his truth.
