Richard Chamberlain, the beloved actor known for his roles in Dr. Kildare and iconic miniseries like Shogun and The Thorn Birds, has passed away at 90, Sky reports. The star died late Saturday night in Waimanalo, Hawaii, from complications following a stroke, just hours before his 91st birthday.
Sky confirms that Chamberlain’s death was announced by his publicist, Harlan Boll, who noted the actor’s peaceful passing in the presence of his long-time partner, Martin Rabbett. “Our beloved Richard is with the angels now,” Rabbett told Sky in a heartfelt 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. Love never dies. And our love is under his wings lifting him to his next great adventure.”
Chamberlain rose to fame in the 1960s as the charming Dr. James Kildare, captivating audiences and earning a Golden Globe, Sky recalls. His career soared again in the 1980s, dubbed the “king of the miniseries” with standout performances as a shipwrecked navigator in Shogun and a conflicted priest in The Thorn Birds, both of which garnered him Emmy nominations and further Golden Globes. Sky highlights his versatility, from swashbuckling in The Three Musketeers to being the first to portray Jason Bourne in the 1988 TV film The Bourne Identity.
Born George Richard Chamberlain on March 31, 1934, in Beverly Hills, California, he initially pursued art before being drafted into the U.S. Army, serving in Korea, Sky notes. His acting career took off after military service, leading to decades of memorable roles across TV, film, and stage. Sky reports that Chamberlain kept his personal life private for years, coming out as gay in his 2003 memoir Shattered Love, a revelation that brought him relief after decades of concealment.
There’s been a large outpouring of tributes from fans and peers, celebrating a legacy that spanned over six decades. Chamberlain’s final years were spent in Hawaii, where he found solace away from Hollywood’s spotlight, leaving behind a remarkable body of work, as Sky underscores in this sombre update.
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