Richard Chamberlain, the celebrated actor famed for his roles in iconic series such as Dr Kildare and Shogun, has passed away at the age of 90. His publicist confirmed his death on Saturday night in Waimanalo, Hawaii, reportedly due to complications from a stroke. Chamberlain’s passing comes just hours before his 91st birthday, marking the end of an era for television history.

Chamberlain earned his reputation as the "king of the mini-series," especially for his roles in Shogun and The Thorn Birds, the latter of which captivated 60% of the U.S. television audience during its air time. His partner, Martin Rabbett, reflected on Chamberlain's remarkable spirit, stating, “Our beloved Richard is with the angels now," signaling the profound bond of love and companionship they shared over the years.

Rising to fame in 1961, Chamberlain captured audiences as Dr. James Kildare in the hit series Dr Kildare. His performances garnered him immense popularity, earning him the title of the most favored male star consecutively from 1963 to 1965 according to Photoplay magazine. However, despite his on-screen romantic appeal, the details of his private life remained veiled for many years.

It wasn’t until 2003, with the release of his memoir Shattered Love, that Chamberlain openly addressed his sexuality, revealing he was gay. He had previously felt compelled to maintain a façade for fear that acknowledging his true self would jeopardize his career. Throughout his career, he often found himself in a precarious position between public adulation and his personal truth.

Born on March 31, 1934, in Beverly Hills, Chamberlain faced a challenging upbringing marked by his father's struggles with alcoholism and emotional turmoil. After initially pursuing a career in painting at Pomona College, Chamberlain was drawn to acting following a college theater performance. His dreams were briefly delayed when he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served honorably in South Korea.

Returning to California, he landed several smaller roles before achieving stardom with Dr Kildare. As he later reflected on his past, Chamberlain discussed the psychological scars from his childhood, which shaped his resilience and influence as he matured into a multifaceted individual within the entertainment industry. His journey highlights a profound testament to the struggles faced by those in the public eye, often grappling with their identity while simultaneously achieving remarkable success.