'Gasinamusaedeul' and 'Shogun' Richard Chamberlain Passes Away at 90 Years Old

Died from complications of a stroke
Golden Globe Best Actor for "The Thorn Birds" and "Shogun"

Richard Chamberlain, an actor who enjoyed his heyday starring in 1980s American dramas such as 'The Thorn Birds' and 'Shogun,' has passed away at the age of 90.

Actor Richard Chamberlain. Photo by AP and Yonhap News

According to the Associated Press and The New York Times (NYT) on the 30th (local time), Chamberlain's spokesperson announced that he died the previous night in Waimanalo on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, due to complications from a stroke.

Chamberlain gained attention in 1983 for playing the lead role of Catholic priest 'Ralph' in the miniseries 'The Thorn Birds.' He was later affectionately known as the 'King of Miniseries.'

'The Thorn Birds' is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Australian author Colleen McCullough and depicts a forbidden love between a Catholic priest and a young, beautiful woman named 'Maggie.' It attracted 100 million viewers in the United States alone and was broadcast on KBS 1TV in South Korea in 1988.

Born in 1934 in Los Angeles, he dreamed of becoming a painter in his childhood and majored in painting and art history at Pomona College. After graduating from college, he was drafted into the army and served for two years in Korea shortly after the Korean War.

After returning to California, he decided to become an actor and played the lead doctor role in the 1961 TV series 'Dr. Kildare.' He gained popularity for his tall stature and handsome appearance. He was also selected as the most popular male actor for three consecutive years from 1963 to 1965 by the American film magazine Photoplay.

He was also active on the theater stage. After 'Dr. Kildare' ended, Chamberlain went to the UK and performed in plays such as 'Hamlet.'

After returning to the United States, he starred in the first drama 'Shogun,' based on James Clavell's novel of the same name, and later appeared in 'The Thorn Birds,' gaining public affection. He won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a TV series twice for 'The Thorn Birds' and 'Shogun,' and received the 'Top TV Star Award' for 'Dr. Kildare.'

In his 2003 memoir 'Shattered Love,' he revealed that he was gay.

His longtime partner, writer and producer Martin Rabbett, said in a statement that day, "It has been a blessing to have known such an amazing and loving soul," adding, "Love never dies."

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