Actor, singer, and artist Richard Chamberlain died on March 29 in Waimanalo, Hawaii, due to complications following a stroke. He was two days shy of his 91st birthday.
Born on March 31, 1934, in Beverly Hills, California, Chamberlain initially aspired to become an artist but transitioned to acting after attending drama productions at Pomona College. He began his career with guest roles in various dramas, including Rescue 8 and Gunsmoke, before landing the starring role of Dr. James Kildare in ABC’s Dr. Kildare in 1961.
Chamberlain’s success on Dr. Kildare led to a Golden Globe award for Best Male TV Star in 1963, as well as a top 10 hit with his rendition of the theme song “Three Stars Will Shine Tonight.” He continued to act in plays and films throughout the 1960s and 1970s, appearing in notable productions such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Madwoman of Chaillot, and Hamlet.
In addition to his acting career, Chamberlain was also a singer and composer. He portrayed Octavius Caesar in Julius Caesar, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky in The Music Lovers, and Lord Byron in Lady Caroline Lamb. His performances in miniseries such as ShÅgun, The Thorn Birds, and Centennial earned him multiple Emmy nominations.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Chamberlain continued to appear in television series and films, including Island Son, Touched by an Angel, and the revival of Twin Peaks. He remained active in the entertainment industry until his passing.
Chamberlain is survived by his life-long partner Martin Rabbett, and donations may be made in his honor to NPR or the Hawaiian Humane Society.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/marcberman1/2025/03/30/richard-chamberlain-dies-the-shogun-and-thorn-birds-star-was-90