- 31
- Mar
- 2025
Revealed in his heartthrob role wearing a white coat in the 1960s series Dr. Kildare, the American actor passed away on Saturday evening in Hawaii at the age of 90, following a stroke, according to his agent. Over the course of his career, the actor won three Golden Globes and, above all, captured the hearts of the public.
Recognized as one of the sex symbols of the 1980s, Richard Chamberlain is unforgettable in the globally successful series The Thorn Birds. He played Father Ralph de Bricassart, a cardinal torn between his religious calling and his feelings for young Meggie Cleary, played by Rachel Ward. It was an impossible love story that touched millions of viewers.
Yet, nothing initially destined Richard Chamberlain to become an actor. Born in Beverly Hills on March 31, 1934, he studied at Pomona College with the intention of becoming a painter. But after returning from the army, where he served as an infantry clerk during the Korean War, he decided to pursue acting. He then studied singing and drama. After a few small roles in TV series and the film The Secret of the Purple Reef (1960), he landed the role of Dr. James Kildare in the medical series Dr. Kildare.
Nicknamed the “king of miniseries,” he once again made a lasting impression in the role of a shipwrecked navigator in Japan in the cult series Shogun, which won two Emmy Awards and three Golden Globes. A new adaptation of James Clavell’s novel has been streaming on Disney+ since 2024.
Trained in theater, this versatile actor played Aramis in 1973 and 1974 in the swashbuckler films The Three Musketeers and The Four Musketeers, directed and adapted from Alexandre Dumas’ novel by American director Richard Lester. In 1975, he starred in the TV movie adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo, a novel by Alexandre Dumas written with the collaboration of Auguste Maquet.
His major film role would remain that of Allan Quatermain—a lighthearted, charming parody of Indiana Jones. In his two adventures, King Solomon’s Mines (1985) and Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold (1986), Richard Chamberlain starred opposite a young Sharon Stone.
In the 2000s, the actor continued to make appearances in hit TV shows like Desperate Housewives (as Lynette’s stepfather), Nip/Tuck, Brothers and Sisters and Chuck. In 2017, David Lynch gave him his final role in Twin Peaks: The Return.
‘Our Beloved Richard Is Now Among the Angels’
Private about his personal life, Richard Chamberlain published his autobiography Shattered Love: A Memoir in 2003 at the age of 69, in which he publicly came out as gay and shared his love story with Martin Rabbett.
“Our beloved Richard is now among the angels. He is free and soaring toward those who came before us. What a blessing to have known such a wonderful and loving soul!” said the actor’s former husband, Martin Rabbett, in a statement sent to Variety magazine. He added, “Love never dies. And our love is under his wings, carrying him to his next great adventure.”
Since the announcement of the actor’s death, tributes have been pouring in across the media and especially on social media. “I just heard the news about Richard Chamberlain. RIP. For those of us of a certain age, there was only one role,” wrote British journalist Caroline Farrow on X, sharing a video clip of Chamberlain’s iconic performance in The Thorn Birds.
Just heard the news about Richard Chamberlain. 😢 RIP 🙏🏻
For those of us of a certain age, there was only one role. pic.twitter.com/x75JP5xDrD— Caroline Farrow (@CF_Farrow) March 30, 2025
His immense talent, beauty and incredible kindness are unanimously praised. “As the world remembers Richard Chamberlain for Shogun and The Thorn Birds, I remember the kind man who showed great warmth to a journalist from South Bend, Indiana, many years ago,” said Anne Thompson, Chief Environmental Affairs Correspondent for NBC News.
As the world remembers Richard Chamberlain for Shogun and The Thorn Birds, I remember the kind man who was very gracious to a green reporter from South Bend, Indiana many years ago. RIP pic.twitter.com/CkryunMdTi
— Anne Thompson (@annenbcnews) March 30, 2025
Actor David Havasi also paid a heartfelt tribute. He had shared the stage with Chamberlain in Monty Python’s Spamalot, the hit musical in which Chamberlain played King Arthur. “My heart is broken by the loss of my dear friend and Spamalot colleague, Richard Chamberlain. He was the original Shōgun. He was the original Jason Bourne. He was the embodiment of a generation’s heart. He was a star.
But beyond all that, Richard was also the kindest, sweetest, and most humble person you could imagine. He was childlike in his fascination with the world and its people. He had a sincerity, a vulnerability, and a passion that were as unique as they were magnetic—and the remarkable ability to infuse those qualities into every iconic character he portrayed throughout his illustrious career.
I had the great honor and joy of sharing the stage, laughter, and a magical chapter of life with this extraordinary man. May we all strive to have even a fraction of his kindness and grace—qualities the world needs now more than ever. Bravo, my sweet Richard. May the choir of angels accompany you to your final rest.”
My heart aches over the passing of my dear friend and Spamalot colleague, Richard Chamberlain.
— David Havasi (@daveydo2000) March 30, 2025
He was the original Shōgun. He was the original Jason Bourne. He was the quintessential heartthrob of a generation. He was a star.
Beyond all that, Richard was also the kindest,… pic.twitter.com/Gx5FEA9Hfl
Comments