Legendary actor Richard Chamberlain, best known for his iconic roles in Dr. Kildare and The Bourne Identity, has passed away at the age of 90. Chamberlain’s death was announced by his publicist, Harlan Boll, who revealed that the actor died from complications related to a stroke at his home in Hawaii.
Chamberlain’s acting career spanned over six decades, with his breakthrough role as Dr. James Kildare in the 1960s television series Dr. Kildare. This role catapulted him to heartthrob status, with The Guardian describing him as “a god made of butter, honey, and elegance.” He went on to appear in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions, earning four Emmy nominations for his performances.
One of Chamberlain’s most notable roles was as Jason Bourne in the 1988 miniseries The Bourne Identity, making him the first actor to portray the character. He also appeared in notable productions such as Shogun, The Thorn Birds, and Wallenberg: A Hero’s Story. Chamberlain’s versatility as an actor was praised by producer Susan Baerwald, who noted that “what’s remarkable about Richard is his incredible range. He has a chameleon-like ability to change and adapt to each role, making him a truly valuable actor.”
Throughout his career, Chamberlain struggled with his sexuality, feeling that it could harm his acting career. In his 2003 autobiography, Shattered Love: A Memoir, he openly discussed his experiences as a gay man, finding solace in sharing his story. Chamberlain had been in a long-term relationship with actor and writer Martin Rabbett for over 30 years, although the couple parted ways in 2010.
Born on March 31, 1934, in Los Angeles, Chamberlain initially aspired to be an artist before pursuing acting. He studied at Pomona College in California and began his acting career on stage, eventually transitioning to television and film. Chamberlain’s career was briefly interrupted when he was drafted into the US Army in 1956, serving in Korea before returning to Los Angeles to continue his acting career.
Chamberlain’s legacy as a talented and dedicated actor will be remembered for generations to come. His ability to adapt to various roles and his courage in sharing his personal story have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.