Richard Chamberlain, the distinguished actor who left an indelible mark on television with his roles as Dr. James Kildare and in the mini-series 'Shogun', has died at 90, as confirmed by his publicist to the BBC. His passing occurred late Saturday night in Waimanalo, Hawaii, due to complications from a stroke—just hours before he would have celebrated his 91st birthday.
Chamberlain, widely recognized as the "king of the mini-series," garnered immense popularity in the 1980s with his captivating performances, including his role as a Japanese prisoner in 'Shogun' and as a troubled priest in 'The Thorn Birds'. The latter not only dominated ratings with 60% of the U.S. television audience but also received 16 Emmy nominations, solidifying Chamberlain's status as a television star.
His longtime partner, Martin Rabbett, shared a poignant statement describing Chamberlain as an "amazing and loving soul" and noted that he is "now with the angels." Their bond spanned three decades, although they separated in 2010, they maintained a close relationship. He poignantly remarked, "Love never dies."
Born on March 31, 1934, in Beverly Hills, California, Chamberlain faced challenges early in life, growing up in a family marked by his father’s struggles with alcoholism. His journey toward acting began after a college performance sparked his interest, leading to a breakout role in 1961 as Dr. Kildare. However, his personal life was often shrouded in mystery, as he did not publicly address his sexuality until the release of his memoir, 'Shattered Love', in 2003.
In the memoir, Chamberlain recounted the fear of losing his career due to societal pressures about his sexuality, revealing that he had once escorted actresses to public events to maintain a façade of heterosexuality. Despite the challenges, he found solace and relief later in life as he embraced his true self, impacting many with his honesty and vulnerability.
Chamberlain's passing marks the end of a remarkable era in television, leaving behind cherished memories and heartfelt tributes from his family, friends, and fans alike.
