Renowned Actor Richard Chamberlain Passes Away at 90
Richard Chamberlain, a cherished figure in television history, has passed away at the age of 90. Known for his role as Dr. Kildare in the 1960s and later as a prominent star in television miniseries, Chamberlain’s legacy spans decades of entertainment. His death on Saturday night in Waimanalo, Hawaii, was attributed to 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,” stated Martin Rabbett, his lifelong partner. “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.”
Chamberlain’s Early Fame and Career Milestones
Chamberlain first rose to fame as the compassionate Dr. Kildare, a character that made him an instant heartthrob among teenage audiences. His portrayal in the series that aired from 1961 to 1966 earned him the title of the most popular male star for three consecutive years, as awarded by Photoplay magazine. Despite his early success, Chamberlain only publicly acknowledged his sexuality in 2003 in his autobiography, “Shattered Love.”
The actor earned the moniker “king of the TV miniseries” with his starring role in “Centennial” in 1978, a monumental 24-hour production. He continued to captivate audiences with “Shogun” in 1980 and “The Thorn Birds” in 1983, the latter attracting an audience of 100 million viewers.
Theater Ventures and Later Work
As interest in miniseries waned, Chamberlain transitioned to theater, showcasing his impressive singing abilities in productions such as “My Fair Lady” and “The Sound of Music” on Broadway. He later revisited his role as de Bricassart in the 1996 TV movie “The Thorn Birds: The Missing Years.”
Chamberlain’s filmography includes notable roles in “The Music Lovers,” “The Madwoman of Chaillot,” “The Towering Inferno,” and “The Three Musketeers.” His portrayal of Dr. Kildare was based on a popular film series from the 1930s and ’40s, originally starring Lew Ayres.
Personal Life and Legacy
Throughout his career, Chamberlain kept his personal life private, often attending public events with glamorous actresses at the behest of studio executives. Reflecting on his past, he shared in an NBC interview, “When I grew up, being gay, being a sissy or anything like that was verboten. I disliked myself intensely and feared this part of myself intensely and had to hide it.”
Born George Richard Chamberlain on March 31, 1934, in Beverly Hills, he initially pursued painting at Pomona College. After serving in the Army during the Korean War, he turned to acting, studying voice and drama before landing his iconic role as Dr. Kildare.
Chamberlain’s enduring influence in television and theater continued into the 21st century, with appearances on shows like “Will & Grace” and “Touched by an Angel,” leaving behind a rich legacy that will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
