Richard Chamberlain
Born George Richard Chamberlain on
March 31, 1934
in Beverly Hills, CA
Richard Chamberlain rose to fame in the 1960s as the idealistic, smoothly handsome “Dr. Kildare” on the television series of the same name, a long-running portrayal that brought him legions of adoring, often youthful fans. During his long, successful career, Chamberlain has played a wide variety of roles, starring in film and theater productions as well as on television. But it is on the small screen that he gained his major renown, first as Dr. James Kildare, a young doctor learning the medical ropes, and later as the star of epic, hugely popular television productions of the 1980s. In “Shogun,” a 12-hour, 1980 dramatization of novelist James Clavell’s bestseller, Chamberlain played Jack Blackthorne, the English pilot of a Dutch ship wrecked off the coast of Japan. Three years later, he starred as Father Ralph de Bricassart, the conflicted, charismatic priest at the heart of the romantic saga “The Thorn Birds,” based on Colleen McCullough’s bestseller. Both portrayals earned him Emmy nominations and Golden Globe awards. On the stage, Chamberlain earned critical acclaim in “Hamlet” and “Richard II,” among other performances. His films include “Petulia,” “The Three Musketeers,” “The Towering Inferno” and “The Last Wave,” a Peter Weir film that became a cult favorite. Born George Richard Chamberlain on March 31, 1934, in Beverly Hills, Chamberlain became interested in acting while attending Pomona College in Claremont. He launched his career after military service in Korea. After decades of evading questions from interviewers about his personal life, the actor disclosed in a 2003 memoir, “Shattered Love,” that he was gay. He has lived primarily in Hawaii for most of the last 25 years, but moved back to Los Angeles in 2009.
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Five thoughts about Richard Chamberlain
In answer to the question, have you ever met Richard Chamberlain?
I've met Richard Chamberlain many times, but I'd love to share our FIRST meeting. I must first say that Richard Chamberlain is very receptive to his fans and takes time to make us all feel appreciated. It is not unusual for him to answer letters, charmingly handwritten. After exchanging several nice letters, we finally met at a book-signing in San Francisco. I wore a name tag and sat in the front row. As Richard spoke to his audience, his eyes caught my name tag and he stopped mid-sentence. He leaned over his table and exclaimed, ";Hi!" He had remembered my name. Not only had he remembered my name, but he remembered what we had written about - months earlier. Only a single fan out of many, he made me feel special that day. He lingered with us long after the book-signing had ended and obliged his faithfuls with photos, autographs, and spirited conversation.
There have been many meetings since, and Richard Chamberlain has never disappointed. Kind and caring, thoughtful and patient, always sweet and always accommodating. At 75 (almost 76 years of age), he is still loved and cherished around the globe.
Jacque Rohan
No i have never met Richard Chamberlain as i live in Sydney but i would be a dream to meet him if he ever came to Sydney.Yes Richard deserves more than a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as he is a very talented actor,singer and dancer. We all still love him and always will.
Kathy Coleman Sydney,Australia.
I have been a loyal fan of Richard Chamberlain since I was thirteen and saw him in Dr. Kildare. Many years later I am still a fan and would love to meet him in person.
yes, definitely, richard deserves a star! an accomplished actor in all level.. i just wish he receive an honorary emmy or oscar, for he deserves it too.
Richard Chamberlain is the definitely the "KING OF MINISERIES". He is so talented! I truly believed he was Father Ralph in Thorn Birds. I love watching Richard and Rachael in Thorn Birds. Hollywood does not have these good scripts anymore. I love you RICHARD! I hope you can find a good script now you are back in California. Richard and Rachael had beautiful chemistry in Thorn Birds. God Bless!
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