**Richard Chamberlain, Beloved Shogun Star, Passes Away at 90**

Chamberlain's remarkable career spanned decades, celebrated for his roles in "Dr Kildare" and "The Thorn Birds," while his private life reflected a journey of personal courage.

Richard Chamberlain, revered for his captivating performances in both "Dr Kildare" and "Shogun," has passed away at the age of 90, as confirmed by his publicist this morning. Renowned as the "king of the mini-series," he left us late Saturday night in Waimanalo, Hawaii, due to complications from a stroke, just a few hours before what would have been his 91st birthday.

His partner, Martin Rabbett, described Chamberlain as an "amazing and loving soul," sharing with us that he is now "with the angels" and finally free, ready for his next adventure. Chamberlain rose to fame in 1961 with the beloved character Dr. James Kildare, a role that quickly made him a household name, adored by millions and named the most popular male star three times in a row by Photoplay magazine during the 1960s.

Transitioning into the 1980s, he cemented his status as a cultural icon with notable roles in "Shogun" as a western prisoner and in "The Thorn Birds," earning him 16 Emmy nominations and drawing in over 60% of the U.S. television audience. Despite his public persona as a romantic leading man, Chamberlain maintained a largely hidden personal life until his memoir, "Shattered Love," released in 2003, where he publicly identified as gay.

Growing up in Beverly Hills with a challenging childhood marked by an alcoholic father, Chamberlain pursued a career in acting after initially studying art. Though he experienced emotional turmoil stemming from his family's dynamic, he would later reflect on the liberation of embracing his true self in his later years. Chamberlain's legacy extends beyond his roles, illustrating a journey marked by resilience and authenticity.