Richard Chamberlain, TV heartthrob known for 'Dr Kildare' and 'Shogun', dies at 90

WAIMANALO, HAWAII: Tributes poured in for Richard Chamberlain, famous for his works in ‘Dr Kildare’ and mini-series ‘Shogun’, after he died at 90 on Saturday, March 29.

His death was confirmed by his publicist, Harlan Boll. The "King of the Mini-Series," who suffered complications from a stroke, took his final breath in Waimanalo, Hawaii, two days before his 91st birthday on March 31, as reported by the BBC.

Martin Rabbett, Chamberlain's "lifelong partner and best friend," said, "Our beloved Richard is with the angels now. He is free and soaring to those loved ones before us. How blessed were we to have known such an amazing and loving soul."

"Love never dies. And our love is under his wings, lifting him to his next great adventure," he added, as per Today.com.

Richard Chamberlain was named 'most popular male star' for three consecutive years from 1963 to 1965

Richard Chamberlain became a TV heartthrob after appearing as Dr James Kildare in ‘Dr Kildare’ from 1961 to 1966, as per Sky News. 

He was named the "most popular male star" for three consecutive years from 1963 to 1965.

He also received Emmy nominations twice for his roles in two mini-series - ‘Shogun’ (1980) and ‘The Thorn Birds’ (1983), and two Emmy nominations for his work in the films – ‘The Count of Monte-Cristo’ (1975) and ‘Wallenberg: A Hero's Story’ (1985).

Chamberlain won Golden Globes for his work in ‘Dr Kildare’, ‘Shogun’, and ‘The Thorn Birds’. 

Richard Chamberlain hid that he was gay until he was 68

Richard Chamberlain was mostly famous for his romantic roles, and that’s why he hid the fact that he’s gay until he was 68.

In a 2014 interview, he shared, "When you grow up in the '30s, '40s and '50s being gay, it's not only ain't easy, it's just impossible. I assumed there was something terribly wrong with me. And even becoming famous and all that, it was still there."

The ‘Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold’ star came out as gay in his 2003 biography ‘Shattered Love: A Memoir’, and in 2019, he said, "I had no fear left... It was a wonderful experience. People were open, friendly and sweet." 

Richard Chamberlain remembered as 'kindest, sweetest, and most humble person you could ever imagine'

Condolences poured in for Richard Chamberlain after the news of his death came to light, with Canadian actor William Shatner tweeting, "Condolences to the family of Richard Chamberlain. He was such a dedicated and wonderful actor."

"I’m absolutely crushed and devastated about #RichardChamberlain passing away.  I kept feeling he would and sadly I was right. Rest in peace you sweet man!" a fan wrote. 

Someone who had worked with the actor wrote, "My heart aches over the passing of my dear friend and Spamalot colleague, Richard Chamberlain. He was the original Shōgun. He was the original Jason Bourne. He was the quintessential heartthrob of a generation. He was a star. Beyond all that, Richard was also the kindest, sweetest, and most humble person you could ever imagine."

"He had a childlike fascination with the world and the people in it. He had a sincerity, vulnerability, and passion that was as unique as it was magnetic; and he had the amazing ability to infuse those qualities into all the iconic characters he played over his illustrious career," they continued. 

"It was my great honor and pleasure to share the stage, the laughter, and a magical chapter in life with this extraordinary man. May we all strive to have even a fraction of his kindness and grace, things that the world needs now more than ever. Bravo, sweet Richard. May a chorus of angels sing thee to thy rest," they concluded.

"He was a glorious presence in my childhood, always very elegant. He will always be Father de Bricassart and Anjin-San John Blackthorne to me. R.I.P. Richard Chamberlain," an individual shared.

"Saddened to hear that #RichardChamberlain has passed away. Such a versatile actor and a gentleman. Farewell my favourite musketeer, shogun and prince," another tweet read.

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