Richard Chamberlain Dies at 90
A Legendary Actor and Heartthrob
Richard Chamberlain, the Emmy-nominated actor and 1960s heartthrob who rocketed to fame in the TV medical drama “Dr. Kildare” and starred in the mini-series “Shogun” and “The Thorn Birds” has died at the age of 90, publicist Harlan Boll said.
A Life of Versatility and Range
Chamberlain was an instant hit, and became a teen idol, as the handsome Dr. James Kildare in the series that ran from 1961-1966. The Guardian newspaper said the then 27-year-old actor “looked like he had been sculpted by a loving god out of butter, honey and grace.”
The breakout role was the start of a six decade-career that spanned theater, films, and television. Chamberlain was dubbed the “king of the mini-series” after appearing in several TV dramas in the 1980s and earned plaudits on stage in roles ranging from Professor Henry Higgins in “My Fair Lady” and Captain von Trapp in “The Sound of Music” to Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Richard II.
Pretending to be Someone Else
The versatile actor was nominated for four Emmys — as an English navigator in 17th century Japan in “Shogun” (1981), a love-torn priest in “The Thorn Birds” (1983), Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg in “Wallenberg: A Hero’s Story” (1985) and for the title role in the 1975 TV movie “The Count of Monte-Cristo.”
A Life of Secrets and Self-Discovery
Most of his roles were as romantic leading men, which is why he did not publicly reveal he was a homosexual until he was 68 years old. He feared it would ruin his career. For much of his life, he said he pretended to be someone else. “When you grow up in the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s being gay, it’s not only ain’t easy, it’s just impossible,“ he told the New York Times in 2014. “I assumed there was something terribly wrong with me. And even becoming famous and all that, it was still there.”
Chamberlain said it was a tremendous relief after he acknowledged his sexuality in his 2003 autobiography “Shattered Love: A Memoir.” “I had no fear left,“ he said in a 2019 interview. “It was a wonderful experience. People were open, friendly and sweet.”
Honing His Acting Skills
Born George Richard Chamberlain on March 31, 1934, in Los Angeles, he was the youngest of two sons. He had hoped to be an artist but switched to acting after attending Pomona College in California.
His acting career was put on hold when he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1956 and served in Korea. After his discharge, Chamberlain returned to Los Angeles, where he co-founded a theater group and had small parts on TV before becoming Dr. Kildare.
The success of the TV show led to a brief singing career and film roles opposite Julie Christie in “Petulia” (1968) and “The Madwoman of Chaillot” (1969) with Katherine Hepburn. He had a brief run in the musical “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” with Mary Tyler Moore. The show closed after four previews.
Chamberlain is survived by his long-time partner, Martin Rabbett, whom he met in 1986 and lived with in Hawaii for many years. Rabbett said in a statement, “He is free and soaring to those loved ones before us. How blessed were we to have known such an amazing and loving soul.”
Richard Chamberlain’s life was a testament to his courage, resilience, and dedication to his craft. He leaves behind a legacy of iconic performances, a trail of broken hearts, and a community of fans who will always remember him as the king of the mini-series.
Q: What was Richard Chamberlain’s most famous role?
A: Dr. James Kildare in the TV medical drama “Dr. Kildare” (1961-1966)
Q: What awards did Chamberlain win?
A: He was nominated for four Emmys throughout his career
Q: When did Chamberlain come out as gay?
A: He publicly revealed his sexuality in 2003, at the age of 68
Q: What was Chamberlain’s relationship status at the time of his death?
A: He was in a long-term relationship with his partner, Martin Rabbett, whom he met in 1986