Richard Chamberlain, Iconic Star of Dr. Kildare and Shogun, Passes Away at 90

Renowned actor Richard Chamberlain, famous for his iconic roles in the 1960s medical drama Dr. Kildare and the sweeping epic Shogun, has passed away at the age of 90 in Waimanalo, Hawaii. His publicist confirmed that Chamberlain died late Saturday night due to complications from a stroke. He was just hours away from celebrating his 91st birthday. Martin Rabbett, Chamberlain's partner for many years, shared a heartfelt tribute, calling him an “amazing and loving soul” and expressed that his spirit is now free to soar into the afterlife.

Chamberlain first gained fame in 1961 as the titular character in Dr. Kildare, which turned him into a household name and a teen idol. His success continued into the 1980s, where he became known as the “king of the mini-series,” captivating audiences in productions such as Shogun and The Thorn Birds, the latter of which garnered 16 Emmy nominations. Despite a prolific career, Chamberlain's personal life remained closely guarded for much of his life. He did not publicly discuss his sexuality until the publication of his memoir Shattered Love in 2003, where he revealed he was gay.

Born on March 31, 1934, in Beverly Hills, Chamberlain had humble beginnings, growing up in a challenging environment with a father battling alcoholism. Though he studied painting, he found his true passion in acting. After serving in the U.S. Army, he pursued acting full-time, landing numerous small roles before his rise to stardom. Chandler's legacy as a romantic leading man and his journey to embrace his identity resonate deeply with fans and colleagues alike, as tributes continue to flood in celebrating his enduring impact on television and film.