Richard Chamberlain, the brilliant actor who became a star in the 1960s, has passed away at the age of 90. Chamberlain was born in 1934 in Los Angeles, California. His colorful path to stardom included military service in the U.S. Army and attendance at Pomona College. He first stormed onto the entertainment scene as Dr. Kildare in the TV medical soap opera in 1961. This legendary turn catapulted him into superstardom and earned him a Golden Globe. Chamberlain died in late February 2023 from complications after a stroke.
Chamberlain’s turn as Dr. Kildare kept Americans riveted for five thrilling seasons. While in Pittsburgh, he recorded his all-time favorite theme song “Three Stars Will Shine Tonight.” The song still did big numbers, peaking within the top-10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and topping iTunes. His good looks and growing musical prowess soon launched him into the status of a 1960s teen idol, earning him a large female following.
In addition to television, Chamberlain was a pioneer in film. Magnum Opus credits He was an actor, playing Aramis in the 1973 film version of The Three Musketeers. He repeated the hat in its sequels, “The Four Musketeers” in 1974 and “The Return of the Musketeers” in 1989. His versatility as an entertainer knew no bounds and it radiated like burning sunshine across the land in these swashbuckling adventures.
Chamberlain’s career hit a new level when he landed the role of John Blackthorne in the 1980 miniseries “Shōgun.” His brilliant work recently landed him a third Golden Globe. He played an English shipwreck victim who is taken prisoner by samurai in 1600’s Japan. Even today, this performance is remembered with great affection. Reflecting on his experience working with Japanese actors, Chamberlain once shared:
“They were all extraordinarily wonderful, and you think coming from say no drama or kabuki which was big and theatrical that you might run into sort of over-the-top actors but they weren’t. They were great,” – Richard Chamberlain
As good as “Shōgun” had been, Chamberlain hadn’t finished dazzling audiences yet. In 1983, he landed the acclaimed role of a local priest in the award-winning miniseries “The Thorn Birds.” This complex role won him his third Golden Globe award, adding to his repute as a complex, gifted and flexible performer.
In later years, Chamberlain continued to grace television screens with appearances in series such as “Nip/Tuck,” “Will & Grace,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Brothers & Sisters,” and “Twin Peaks: The Return.” His unparalleled survival on the small screen underscored his knack for reinvention and success in an industry that is in constant flux.
Though Chamberlain became a complex and effective leader, his personal life was embroiled in tragic circumstances burdensome to all of his time. He candidly spoke about the difficulties of growing up and living as a gay man during the mid-20th century, stating:
“When you grow up in the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s being gay, it not only ain’t easy, it’s just impossible” – Richard Chamberlain
His struggles with self-acceptance were evident even after achieving fame:
“I assumed there was something terribly wrong with me. And even becoming famous and all that, it was still there.” – Richard Chamberlain
