Soap star turned king of the mini series, Richard Chamberlain was an actor whose craft was perhaps never fully recognised. The Beverly Hills-born Chamberlain served in the army in Korea before studying voice and drama. After guest roles in a handful of TV shows and a feature film role, Chamberlain landed the part of compassionate medic James Kildare in
Dr Kildare. Driven in part by its star’s good looks,
Dr Kildare was a massive hit but it also typecast its main actor. Soon after the show ended in 1966, Chamberlain moved to England and was a regular on stage and screen. He returned to prominence on US screens in 1978, starring in the epic
Centennial, based on James Michener’s novel. Chamberlain followed that by starring in a hit adaptation of James Clavell’s novel
Shogun. His third and biggest mini-series hit came in 1983 in
The Thorn Birds. The adaptation of Colleen McCullough’s novel attracted more than 100 million viewers each episode. As the mini series ceased to be a staple of US TV, Chamberlain returned to theatre, showcasing a fine singing voice. In his 2003 autobiography
Shattered Love Chamberlain confirmed Hollywood’s worst-kept secret, that he was gay. Chamberlain continued to act, appearing in shows such as
Will & Grace,
The Drew Carey Show and
Touched by an Angel. Richard Chamberlain died on March 29, aged 90. — APL/agencies
