Richard Chamberlain, star of Shogun and The Thorn Birds, dies at 90
A still from the TV series Shogun
American actor Richard Chamberlain, known for his roles in "Shogun" and "The Thorn Birds," has died at the age of 90, reports Variety.
Publicist Harlan Ball confirmed Chamberlain’s death. According to him, the actor unexpectedly passed away on Saturday at 11:15 PM Hawaiian Time.
The cause of death was complications following a stroke.
Family and friends are mourning the loss of the actor, who starred in many iconic films known worldwide.
A still from the TV series "Shogun"
The actor’s long-time partner, actor and producer Martin Rabbett, shared heartfelt words in memory of his friend.
"Our beloved Richard is with the angels now. He is free and soaring to those loved ones before us. How blessed we were 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," Rabbett stated.
Richard Chamberlain’s legacy
Chamberlain became a true sex symbol of Hollywood after the release of the TV series "Dr. Kildare" in 1961.
Following the premiere of the first episodes, the show created a huge stir, leading producers to extend filming for another five years, until 1966.
In 1963, Chamberlain received his first prestigious award, the Golden Globe, for his role in the series.
His fame grew at an incredible rate. The actor received more than 12,000 letters from fans every week, even surpassing the number of messages legendary actor Clark Gable received after "Gone with the Wind."
A still from the series "The Thorn Birds"
Richard was adored by millions of female fans. However, he carefully concealed his true sexual orientation, fearing that it might harm his popularity.
It was only years later that the actor felt comfortable enough to share details about his personal life.
Chamberlain won his second Golden Globe for his role as skipper John Blackthorne in the miniseries "Shogun."
At the age of 45, he reached the peak of his career, trailing only Sean Connery and Albert Finney in popularity. "Shogun" became a true sensation and the event of the year.
A still from the TV series "Shogun"
Despite being frequently called the "king of TV series," Chamberlain did not limit himself to television. He also had a successful career in feature films, including The Way West, The Bourne Identity, and Wallenberg: A Hero's Story.
A still from the TV series "The Bourne Identity"
