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Richard Chamberlain, ‘Dr. Kildare’ and ‘Shogun’ Star, Dies at 90
Hollywood mourns the passing of veteran actor Richard Chamberlain, celebrated for his iconic portrayal of Dr. Kildare in the 1960s medical drama and his starring role in ‘Shogun’. Chamberlain, known as the ‘king of the mini-series’, died at the age of 90, his publicist confirmed.
The Reign as ‘King of the Mini-Series’
He garnered the moniker ‘king of the mini-series’ due to his prominent roles in blockbuster television events like ‘Shogun’ and ‘The Thorn Birds’.
The esteemed actor passed away late Saturday night, local time (10:15 GMT Sunday), in Waimanalo, Hawaii. His publicist, Harlan Boll, confirmed Chamberlain’s death occurred from complications following a stroke, mere hours before his 91st birthday.
Martin Rabbett, Chamberlain’s longtime partner, released a statement describing him as an “amazing and loving soul.”
Rabbett’s heartfelt words conveyed, “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.”
Early Career and ‘Dr. Kildare’
Chamberlain’s breakthrough role arrived in 1961 with ‘Dr. Kildare,’ instantly making him a household name as Dr. James Kildare. The medical drama, adapted from a popular film series of the 1930s and 40s, captivated millions of viewers and solidified his status as a beloved television icon.
Continued Television Success
He cemented his ‘king of the mini-series’ title throughout the 1980s, starring as a Western prisoner-of-war in ‘Shogun’ and a Roman Catholic priest grappling with temptation in ‘The Thorn Birds’.
‘The Thorn Birds’ became a ratings phenomenon, capturing 60% of the US television audience and receiving 16 Emmy Award nominations.
Personal Life and Public Disclosure
In 1989, Chamberlain publicly denied being gay when questioned by a French magazine. He later addressed his homosexuality publicly at the age of 70.
Chamberlain openly discussed his sexuality in his 2003 autobiography, ‘Shattered Love’. Despite a three-decade relationship with actor-director Martin Rabbett, they maintained discretion regarding their personal life.
In interviews related to his memoir, Chamberlain expressed the complexities of being a gay leading man in Hollywood, even advising fellow actors to guard their privacy.
He acknowledged his earlier struggles with self-acceptance, stating, “I thought there was something very, very deeply wrong with me.” Chamberlain and Rabbett ended their relationship in 2010.
Later Life and Passing
Richard Chamberlain was born on March 31, 1934, in Beverly Hills, California.