Richard Chamberlain, the handsome hero of the 1960s television series “Dr. Kildare,” found his second career as the award-winning “King of the Mini Series.” He was 90 years old.
According to his spokesman Harlan Bol, Chamberlain died Saturday night in Waimanalo, Hawaii from complications after a stroke.
“Our beloved Richard is now with his angels. He is free and rising to his loved ones before us,” his lifelong partner, Martin Lovett, said in a statement. “How blessed were we to know such an incredibly loving soul?
With her tall, classic look and romantic style, Chamberlain became an instant favorite with teenage girls as a caring doctor in a television series that aired from 1961 to 1966.
Until 2003, he did not publicly admit that Hollywood insiders had known for a long time, or that he was gay. He made a revelation to his autobiography, “Smashed Love.”
The actor won the lead role in “Centennial” in 1978, becoming known as “The King of the TV Miniseries” when he was a grand 24-hour production and starring role in “Centennial,” based on James Michener’s vast novel. He follows in “The General” in 1980, another costly and epic miniseries based on works from the James Cravel era on American visitors.
He won his biggest miniseries success in 1983, based on Colleen McCullough’s bestseller. He played Father Ralph de Breicassat, a Roman Catholic priest in Australia. The ABC Productions, which also starred Barbara Stanwyck, reportedly attracted 100 million viewers.
Chamberlain won a Golden Globe Award for his work at “General” and “Tornebird.” A few years ago he received one for “Dr. Kildare.”
As the public began to lose interest in the miniseries, Chamberlain turned to the theatre, where he showed a wonderful singing voice. He appeared as Henry Higgins in the revival of Broadway’s “My Fair Lady” in 1994 and Captain Vontrap in the revival of “The Sound of Music” in 1999.
He recreated the role of De Bricassart in the 1996 TV film The Thorn Birds: The Missing Years.
He also appeared in many films, including “The Music Lovers” (Tchaikovsky), “The Madman of Chaillot”, “The Musketeers” and its sequels.
The “Kildare” series was based on a series of 1930s and 40s films starring Lew Ayres in the title role.
Chamberlain’s creepy, national look made him a star for the night. Another medical show “Ben Casey,” who debuted in the same season, was also a smash, and the main guy, the dark and handsome Vince Edwards, also became a star.
“Ben Casey’s Shirt” became a fashion item, with both showing “theme song “The pop top 40 (the song of Kildare, played by Chamberlain himself), and even a pop song “Dr. Kildare! Dr. Casey! You’re asked to consult.”
However, in his book, Chamberlain recounted how he was forced to hide his sexuality. He escorts the charming actress to film premieres and other release events at the request of studio executives, and dodges reporters’ questions about why he has never married in stock.
“When I grew up, I was gay, I was wimp, I was redundant,” he told NBC in an interview. “I hated myself so vigorously, I was so scared of this part of myself that I had to hide it.”
The book also described troubled childhood and alcoholic fathers, Chamberlain said writing it finally lifted a heavy emotional burden. He also expressed his relief that he no longer hides his sexuality.
“I played the media and cat and mouse games. Game over,” said Chamberlain, who was involved with actor Martin Lovett for many years.
Born in Beverly Hills on March 31, 1934, George Richard Chamberlain, the actor originally studied as a painter at Pomona College. However, after he returned from the Army, where he served as an infantry officer in the Korean War, Chamberlain decided to try acting.
He learned voice and drama, and won the role of Dr. Kildare after appearing in a handful of television shows and guest roles in the 1960 film The Secret of the Purple Leaf.
When “Dr. Kildare” was cancelled, he initially found it difficult to shake up the image of a handsome young doctor.
He moved to England for a while to find work and hone his acting skills. While there he appeared in three films directed by Richard Lester, Petulia (1968), Three Muskets (1973), and The For Musket (1974). He reunited with Leicester for “The Return of the Musket” in 1989 and played Aramis once again.
In 1969, Chamberlain played the title role in “Hamlet” at the Birmingham Repertoire Company in England, and repeated that in a television adaptation published on NBC in the US. He also appeared as Octavius in the film version of “Julious Caesar,” starring Charlton Heston and Jason Robert.
He continued to act well into the 21st century, appearing on television shows such as “Will & Grace,” “The Drew Carey Show,” and “Touched by Angel.”
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Longtime Associated Press journalist Bob Thomas, who passed away in 2014, was the leading author of the obituary.
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