The charming actor Richard Chamberlain who became famous for his role as Dr. Kildare in the 1960s TV series died at his Waimanalo Hawaii home on Saturday night in Oahu. He was 90 years old. Chamberlain started his career as a teen idol but transitioned into a respected stage performer before achieving renewed fame through his work in 1980s mini-series.
According to Harlan Boll who served as his spokesperson Chamberlain died from stroke complications.
NBC introduced Chamberlain to audiences at age 27 through his portrayal of the dedicated young intern in the television series “Dr. Kildare” which originated from the successful film series of the 1930s and 1940s. His natural California appearance together with his subtle charm made him a fan sensation as he received about 12,000 letters per week while the show aired from 1961 to 1966.
Following the end of his series Chamberlain moved to England to get away from his teen idol image. He dedicated his time to training until he accepted the demanding role of Hamlet at the Birmingham Repertory Theater in 1969. The British critics praised him after his performance because he displayed confidence alongside elegance and courage. The Times of London reviewer expressed satisfaction with Richard Chamberlain’s skilled performance of Hamlet because viewers who expected to see him fail were pleasantly surprised.
Chamberlain spent five years abroad before returning to the U.S. to take on major roles in theater productions and films. His television comeback through mini-series programs brought him back into the spotlight. The 1978 ensemble cast of “Centennial” launched his return to television with his role as a rugged Scottish trapper which appealed to audiences who embraced the extensive storytelling format of mini-series that combined cinematic production with prolonged narratives.