Shogun Star Richard Chamberlain Dies at 90

Hollywood legend Richard Chamberlain, beloved for his roles in Dr. Kildare, Shogun, and The Thorn Birds, passes away at 90, leaving behind an iconic legacy in television and film.

Richard Chamberlain, the charismatic leading man who captivated audiences with his roles in Dr. Kildare, Shogun, and The Thorn Birds, has passed away at the age of 90. His publicist, Harlan Boll, confirmed that Richard Chamberlain died on March 29 in Waimanalo, Hawai’i, due to complications following a stroke.

Martin Rabbett, Richard Chamberlain longtime partner, expressed his grief in a heartfelt statement: “Our beloved Richard is with the angels now. 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.”

Richard Chamberlain rose to stardom in the early 1960s with his breakout role as Dr. James Kildare in the NBC medical drama Dr. Kildare. The show, which ran from 1961 to 1966, made him a household name and cemented his status as a television heartthrob. His success in television extended beyond medical dramas, as he became a staple of the miniseries boom, starring in some of the most celebrated limited-run productions of the 20th century.

His performance in Shogun (1980), based on James Clavell’s novel, was a career-defining moment, earning him a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Drama. Richard Chamberlain followed up with another massive hit, The Thorn Birds (1983), where he portrayed an ambitious Australian priest caught in a forbidden love affair. The series became the second-highest-rated miniseries in history after Roots, further solidifying Richard Chamberlain’s television dominance.

While television was his stronghold, Richard Chamberlain also enjoyed a varied film career. He starred in The Three Musketeers, The Music Lovers, and Petulia, among others. He even took on the role of Jason Bourne in the 1988 ABC miniseries adaptation of The Bourne Identity. However, his passion for the stage remained unwavering. In addition to playing Hamlet in the U.K., he tackled roles in Richard II, Cyrano de Bergerac, and The Night of the Iguana, earning critical acclaim for his theatrical performances.

In addition to acting, Richard Chamberlain was an accomplished singer, with albums like Richard Chamberlain Sings and performances on Broadway in My Fair Lady. In later years, he took up painting and became an advocate for ecological causes, notably lobbying to protect the Tuolumne River.

Richard Chamberlain also made history with his 2003 memoir, Shattered Love: A Memoir, where he publicly came out as gay, challenging Hollywood’s long-standing taboos.

Richard Chamberlain’s final screen appearances included roles in Twin Peaks (2017) and Nightmare Cinema (2018). His influence on television, film, and theater remains undeniable, with his performances continuing to resonate with audiences worldwide.

He is survived by his longtime partner, Martin Rabbett. In honor of his memory, donations can be made to NPR or the Hawaiian Humane Society.