Renowned actor Richard Chamberlain, known for his iconic roles in ‘Dr. Kildare,’ ‘Shogun,’ and ‘The Thorn Birds,’ has passed away at the age of 90 due to complications from a stroke. Born on March 31, 1934, in Beverly Hills, California, Chamberlain initially pursued painting before serving in the Korean War as an infantry clerk.
After redirecting his ambitions toward acting, Chamberlain’s career spanned over five decades, earning him three Golden Globe wins and four Emmy nominations. He became a television icon in the early 1960s with his breakout role as Dr. James Kildare in the medical drama ‘Dr. Kildare.’ His performances were equally varied on stage, screen, and in voice acting.
Chamberlain’s rise to fame was meteoric, with memorable turns in ‘Shogun,’ ‘The Thorn Birds,’ and other notable roles. He reprised his role as Father de Bricassart in the 1996 TV film ‘The Thorn Birds: The Missing Years.’ Even in the 21st century, Chamberlain remained active with appearances on shows such as “Will & Grace,” “The Drew Carey Show,” and “Touched by an Angel.”
In a surprise move, Chamberlain came out as gay at the age of 68, revealing his truth in his memoir ‘Shattered Love: A Memoir.’ He described his coming out experience as liberating, stating that he had no fear left. Fans have taken to social media to mourn the loss of this legendary talent and gentleman.
Chamberlain leaves behind a legacy of grace, talent, and resilience, touching generations with his roles and inspiring many more through his personal journey.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/legendary-heartthrob-richard-chamberlain-cause-183002835.html