Richard Chamberlain, the beloved star of the 1960s TV drama Dr. Kildare and the acclaimed “king of the miniseries,” has passed away at 90. The actor died on Saturday in Waimanalo, Hawaii, due to complications from a stroke, his publicist confirmed.
Chamberlain rose to fame in Dr. Kildare (1961-1966), earning a devoted fanbase and three consecutive Photoplay magazine awards for most popular male star. He later became synonymous with epic television miniseries, leading Centennial (1978), Shogun (1980), and The Thorn Birds (1983), the latter drawing an estimated 100 million viewers. His performances in Shogun and The Thorn Birds earned him Golden Globe Awards.
Beyond television, Chamberlain shone in theater, starring in My Fair Lady and The Sound of Music, and took on film roles in The Towering Inferno, The Three Musketeers, and The Music Lovers.
Chamberlain publicly acknowledged his sexuality in his 2003 autobiography, Shattered Love, revealing the pressures he faced in Hollywood. His lifelong partner, Martin Rabbett, paid tribute, saying, “Love never dies, and our love is under his wings lifting him to his next great adventure.”
Source: Swifteradio.com
