Renowned Actor Richard Chamberlain Passes Away at 90
Richard Chamberlain, an iconic figure of 1960s television and the celebrated “king of the miniseries,” has died at the age of 90. The actor, known for his charm and talent, passed away in Waimanalo, Hawaii, due to complications following a stroke, as confirmed by his publicist, Harlan Boll.
Martin Rabbett, Chamberlain’s lifelong partner, expressed deep sorrow in a statement, saying, “Our beloved Richard is with the angels now. He is free and soaring to those loved ones before us…Love never dies. And our love is under his wings lifting him to his next great adventure.”
With his tall stature and classic good looks, Chamberlain swiftly became a favorite among teenage girls when he starred as a compassionate doctor in the TV series “Dr. Kildare,” which aired from 1961 to 1966. His popularity was undeniable, winning him the title of most popular male star by Photoplay magazine three consecutive years from 1963 to 1965.
Chamberlain’s career took a significant turn in 1978 with his role in the epic TV miniseries “Centennial.” This was followed by “Shogun” in 1980, which solidified his reputation in the genre. His portrayal in “The Thorn Birds” in 1983 as Father Ralph de Bricassart resonated with audiences, attracting an impressive 100 million viewers.
He received Golden Globe awards for his performances in “Shogun” and “The Thorn Birds,” adding to his earlier win for “Dr. Kildare.” As the miniseries genre waned, Chamberlain transitioned to theater, showcasing his singing talent in productions like “My Fair Lady” and “The Sound of Music.”
In 2003, Chamberlain publicly shared in his autobiography, “Shattered Love,” what many in Hollywood already knew: he was gay. The book detailed both his struggles with hiding his sexuality and his troubled childhood, providing a sense of emotional release for the actor.
Born as George Richard Chamberlain on March 31, 1934, in Beverly Hills, he initially pursued painting at Pomona College. However, after serving as an infantry clerk during the Korean War, he decided to pivot to acting. He honed his skills in England and continued to work in film and television into the 21st century, making appearances on shows like “Will & Grace” and “Touched by an Angel.”
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
