His death was confirmed by publicist Harlan Boll, who stated that Chamberlain died on March 29 in Waimanalo, Hawaii, due to complications from a stroke.
Chamberlain's longtime partner, Martin Rabbett, expressed heartfelt sentiments, saying,
“Our beloved Richard is with the angels now... How blessed were we to have known such an amazing and loving soul.”
With his All-American looks, Chamberlain became a household name, particularly known for his roles in miniseries like Shōgun and The Swarm. While he had a few notable film appearances, including The Music Lovers and The Last Wave, his true talent shone on television. He portrayed a range of characters, from England's Edward VIII to World War II hero Raoul Wallenberg.
Chamberlain's career began with MGM in the early 1960s, leading to his iconic role as Dr. Kildare, which ran from 1961 to 1966. He also enjoyed a brief music career, releasing romantic ballads and contributing to soundtracks. His stage work included a celebrated performance in Hamlet and a Broadway revival of My Fair Lady.
Despite challenges in transitioning to film, Chamberlain's television success continued, culminating in his role as a priest in The Thorn Birds, which became one of the highest-rated miniseries in history. His legacy includes numerous awards, including a Golden Globe and an Emmy nomination.
In his later years, Chamberlain remained active in theater and television, appearing in various productions and guest-starring on popular shows. He also authored a memoir and advocated for ecological causes.
