The Original Hot Priest! Farewell Richard Chamberlain, TV Eye-Candy Extraordinaire
Remembering Richard Chamberlain
Richard Chamberlain, who has died at 90, achieved exceptional television celebrity by playing devastatingly attractive men whose professions made them unavailable to women.
Iconic Roles
- The Thorn Birds: Ralph De Bricassart, a Catholic priest whose vow of celibacy is tested by Meggie over four decades.
- Dr. Kildare: Dr. James Kildare, a medical drama where Chamberlain played a doctor whose looks caused throbbing hearts.
Career Highlights
- The Thorn Birds: Achieved huge ratings for ABC in the US and BBC One in the UK.
- Based on a 1977 bestseller by Colleen McCullough.
- Watched by almost 60% of the available American TV audience.
- Received 16 Emmy nominations, winning six.
- Dr. Kildare: Ran for 191 episodes from 1961 to 1966.
- Chamberlain’s Dr. James Kildare rose from intern to resident at the fictional Blair General hospital.
- Known for his looks and the tensions of forbidden love.
Personal Life
- Chamberlain was gay, a fact he confirmed in a 2003 memoir.
- Recounted a relationship with actor-producer Martin Rabbett.
- Reflected on the psychological cost of passing as straight on and off screen.
Other Notable Roles
- Shōgun: Played John Blackthorne, an English sailor captured by samurai.
- Hamlet: Played Hamlet to good notices on stage in England and on TV in the US.
- Late-Career Cameos: Appeared in shows including Nip/Tuck, Hustle, and Will & Grace.
Legacy
Richard Chamberlain leaves behind a legacy of grace, talent, and resilience. His roles touched generations, and his personal journey inspired many more.
The Life and Achievements of Richard Chamberlain: A Timeline
Richard Chamberlain, the iconic actor known for his captivating performances, has left an enduring legacy in the world of television and film. Below is a timeline of his significant achievements throughout his life.
Timeline of Richard Chamberlain’s Achievements
1934: Birth
- March 31, 1934: Richard Chamberlain is born George Richard Chamberlain in Beverly Hills, California.
1950s: Early Career
- 1959: Makes his television debut in an episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
- 1959-1960: Appears in various TV shows, including Bourbon Street Beat and Gunsmoke.
1961-1966: Breakthrough Role
- 1961: Stars as Dr. James Kildare in the medical drama Dr. Kildare, which becomes a massive hit.
- 1962: Releases his first album, Richard Chamberlain Sings, showcasing his vocal talent.
1970s: Rising Fame
- 1978: Stars in the miniseries Centennial, further solidifying his status as a leading man in television.
1980: Shōgun
- 1980: Plays John Blackthorne in the acclaimed miniseries Shōgun, based on James Clavell’s novel, earning critical acclaim.
1983: The Thorn Birds
- 1983: Achieves monumental success with The Thorn Birds, portraying Ralph De Bricassart. The miniseries garners 16 Emmy nominations and wins six.
- 1984: The British premiere of The Thorn Birds is given a standalone preview, highlighting Chamberlain’s fame.
1990s: Continued Success
- 1996: Reprises his role as Father de Bricassart in The Thorn Birds: The Missing Years.
- 1990s: Appears in various television shows, including Nip/Tuck and Will & Grace, showcasing his versatility.
2003: Coming Out
- 2003: Publishes his memoir, Shattered Love, where he comes out as gay, sharing his personal journey and experiences in Hollywood.
2010s: Legacy and Recognition
- 2019: Stars in the thriller Finding Julia, continuing to act into his later years.
- 2020s: Remembered as a television icon, with tributes pouring in after his passing.
2023: Passing
- March 29, 2023: Richard Chamberlain passes away at the age of 90 due to complications from a stroke, leaving behind a legacy of grace and talent.
Fans Mourn Richard Chamberlain
Heartbroken. I once got in a hotel elevator that he was the only other person in, and we had an absolutely delightful chat on the way to our destination. “Rest in peace” to a magnificent talent and a true gentleman, 1980s-era “king of the miniseries” #RichardChamberlain. pic.twitter.com/dnUuaHfmjH
— Jay Bobbin (@JayBobbin1) March 30, 2025
