Hollywood mourns Richard Chamberlain as tributes pour in for the Dr. Kildare and The Thorn Birds star

The entertainment world has lost a true icon with the passing of Richard Chamberlain, the legendary actor whose iconic roles as Dr. Kildare and the priest in The Thorn Birds continue to resonate with both fans and peers alike.

Chamberlain died on Saturday, March 29 in Hawaii at the age of 90, following complications from a stroke.

Martin Rabbett, who shared a three-decade relationship with Chamberlain before they parted ways in 2010 but remained close friends, released a statement following his passing, reflecting on how “blessed we were to have known such an amazing and loving soul.”

“Our beloved Richard is with the angels now,” he began.

“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.”

Born on March 31, 1934, in Los Angeles, Chamberlain was the youngest of two sons. Initially aspiring to be an artist, he shifted his focus to acting after attending Pomona College in California.

His early career was interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1956 and served in Korea. Upon his return to Los Angeles, he co-founded a theatre group and landed small TV roles, eventually gaining widespread recognition as Dr. Kildare on the hit TV series.

The success of Dr. Kildare opened doors to a brief singing career and major film roles, including performances opposite Julie Christie in Petulia (1968) and alongside Katharine Hepburn in The Madwoman of Chaillot (1969). He also starred in a short-lived Broadway musical, Breakfast at Tiffany’s with Mary Tyler Moore, though the production closed after just four previews.

Chamberlain went on to showcase his versatility in film, portraying Lord Byron in Lady Caroline Lamb (1972), and appearing in The Three Musketeers (1973) and The Towering Inferno (1974), where he played a villain. Throughout his career, he balanced Broadway, musical theatre, television, and film, starring in productions like Tennessee Williams’ The Night of the Iguana.

In the 1980s, Chamberlain earned the title “king of the mini-series” after starring in several iconic TV dramas. He received critical acclaim for his roles in Shogun (1981), The Thorn Birds (1983), Wallenberg: A Hero’s Story (1985), and The Count of Monte-Cristo (1975). Notably, he portrayed the original Jason Bourne in the 1988 TV adaptation of The Bourne Identity.

A four-time Emmy nominee, Chamberlain’s stage presence was just as commanding, with acclaimed performances in My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Hamlet, and Richard II.

With the publication of his autobiography, Shattered Love: A Memoir in 2003, Chamberlain publicly came out, sharing his sexuality and experiencing a deep sense of relief and acceptance.

“I had no fear left,” he said in a 2019 interview.

“It was a wonderful experience. People were open, friendly and sweet.”

In his later years, Chamberlain continued acting in television shows such as Brothers & Sisters, Will & Grace, Desperate Housewives.

Following news of Chamberlain’s passing, fans and colleagues from across the entertainment world quickly took to social media to share their condolences and pay tribute to his legacy.

Condolences to the family of Richard Chamberlain. He was such a dedicated and wonderful actor. 😔 pic.twitter.com/o4MdSE28MC

— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 30, 2025

Just heard the news about Richard Chamberlain. 😢 RIP 🙏🏻

For those of us of a certain age, there was only one role. pic.twitter.com/x75JP5xDrD

— Caroline Farrow (@CF_Farrow) March 30, 2025

Rest in Power Richard Chamberlain.

Whether it was stage, television or film, he could do it all, and all well.

If you were of my generation, your parents probably watched The Thorn Birds. pic.twitter.com/PzqR37leSI

— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) March 30, 2025

So very saddened to hear that legend, #RichardChamberlain has passed away 😞. I used to watch “The Slipper and the Rose” a lot when I was younger….and who can forget “The Thorn Birds” of course. There aren’t many people who make an impact without even trying but he did. #RIP 🖤 pic.twitter.com/WdVoM2zQow

— Kayleigh Walters 👨‍👩‍👧💚♿ (@Kaydub89) March 30, 2025

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,… pic.twitter.com/Gx5FEA9Hfl

— David Havasi (@daveydo2000) March 30, 2025

Richard Chamberlain’s work was wonderful. He portrayed his characters believably, wearing the roles as if they were tailor-made garments fitted perfectly to his style. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.

— Martha Johnson (@MarthaJohn1679) March 30, 2025

-with Reuters.