Richard Chamberlain: A Tribute to the Multifaceted Star
Richard Chamberlain, the renowned television actor and singer, passed away on March 29 at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy shaped by his contributions to both the small screen and the music industry.
Early Life and Career
Born George Richard Chamberlain in Los Angeles on March 31, 1934, he quickly became known simply as Dick or Richard. His illustrious career began in the 1960s, capturing fame primarily through his iconic role as Dr. Kildare in the eponymous television series.
Musical Achievements
Chamberlain was not only a celebrated actor but also enjoyed a successful career as a recording artist. He released his debut album, Richard Chamberlain Sings, with MGM Records in 1963, which achieved remarkable chart success, reaching the top five on the Billboard 200.
Throughout his brief yet impactful music career, he secured three top 30 hits on the Billboard Hot 100:
- “Theme From Dr. Kildare (Three Stars Will Shine Tonight)” – No. 10 (1962)
- “Love Me Tender” – No. 21 (1962)
- “All I Have to Do Is Dream” – No. 14 (1963)
Notably, he was the first artist to record “They Long to Be Close to You,” a song by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Although his rendition did not gain widespread recognition, it later became a blockbuster hit for The Carpenters in 1970.
Television Stardom
Chamberlain’s role in Dr. Kildare paved the way for a prosperous television career that spanned decades. The series not only ranked in the top 10 of Nielsen ratings during its premiere season but also remained a fixture in the top 20 for its subsequent seasons.
His impressive performances earned him recognition and Emmy nominations, including a notable nomination in 1975 for his role in The Count of Monte Cristo.
By the 1980s, Chamberlain had established himself as a leading figure in the miniseries genre through acclaimed performances in productions such as:
- Shogun
- The Thorn Birds
- Wallenberg: A Hero’s Story
For these works, he received Primetime Emmy nominations for outstanding lead actor in a limited series or special.
Stage and Later Works
Chamberlain’s talents extended to film and Broadway as well. While his first Broadway venture in a troubled musical adaptation of Breakfast at Tiffany’s was short-lived, he rebounded with successful performances in classic revivals such as The Night of the Iguana, Blithe Spirit, My Fair Lady, and The Sound of Music.
Personal Life
Chamberlain publicly came out as gay in 2003, at the age of 68, through his memoir Shattered Love: A Memoir. His fears of rejection were alleviated by the supportive response from fans and the public alike, as he reflected in an interview, “Everyone has been so supportive, so positive.”
Final Years
Richard Chamberlain passed away in Waimanalo, Hawaii, due to complications resulting from a stroke. He is remembered not only for his roles as a beloved leading man but also as a talented musician who touched many lives throughout his career.