For nearly three decades, the Hollywood heartthrob concealed his relationship with his male partner while maintaining a public image as America’s beloved leading man.
Richard Chamberlain, the iconic actor who captured hearts as Dr. Kildare in the 1960s, died on March 29, 2025, at age 90 in Hawaii from complications following a stroke.
Richard Chamberlain, circa 1965 | Source: Getty Images
His passing came just two days before his 91st birthday, ending a remarkable career that spanned decades of film, television, and stage performances, during which he kept his personal life and relationship with Martin Rabbett hidden from public view.
Cassandra Peterson and Martin Rabbett attend the “Rambling Rose” Westwood Premiere on September 19, 1991, at the Mann National Theatre in Westwood, California | Source: Getty Images
From Teen Idol to Serious Actor
Chamberlain had a difficult childhood with his parents, Elsa Winnifred and Charles Axiom Chamberlain. However, he found joy in track, becoming a four-year letterman in high school and college, and developed a passion for acting at Pomona College.
After serving 16 months in the army in Korea, he headed to Hollywood and built a solid resume with guest spots on popular shows like “Gunsmoke” and “Mr. Lucky” before finding the part that would make his career.
Richard Chamberlain, circa 1960 | Source: Getty Images
In 1961, he shot to fame as the handsome young medical intern in “Dr. Kildare,” turning him into an overnight sensation and idol. The attention he received was phenomenal. The show generated about 12,000 fan letters weekly, which was unprecedented even compared to Hollywood legends.
Richard Chamberlain in a headshot promotional portrait for “Dr. Kildare” in 1961 | Source: Getty Images
“It happened kind of fast,” Chamberlain recalled. “We started getting fan mail at an enormous rate. […] Even Clark Gable wasn’t getting that much fan mail. And the studio, of course, answered it all.”
Despite this massive popularity, crossover success to film proved challenging. His early movie roles in “Twilight of Honor” and “Joy in the Morning” failed to bring him the big-screen fame many expected. The public saw him mainly as a television star.
Nick Adams and Richard Chamberlain in a scene from “Twilight of Honor,” 1963 | Source: Getty Images
Looking to be taken seriously as an actor, Chamberlain made a bold move. He turned his back on Hollywood and devoted himself to stage acting.
In 1966, he appeared in productions like “The Philadelphia Story” and “Private Lives,” showcasing his vocal talents in “West Side Story.” However, his Broadway musical debut in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” did terribly, closing after just four performances.
Richard Chamberlain during “Hamlet” rehearsals at Birmingham Repertory Theatre on February 15, 1969 | Source: Getty Images
What seemed like a career setback led to new opportunities. An important role in “Petulia” took him to England, where he tested his acting skills on the classical stage. His performances as “Hamlet” and “Richard II” won over British audiences.
Later, on film, he played Octavius Caesar in “Julius Caesar,” composer Tchaikovsky in “The Music Lovers,” and Lord Byron in “Lady Caroline Lamb.”
Richard Chamberlain in “Julius Caesar” on June 12, 1969 | Source: Getty Images
The King of TV Miniseries
After reshaping his image as a serious actor, Chamberlain returned to America with renewed confidence. He first appeared on Broadway to great acclaim, playing Reverend Shannon in “The Night of the Iguana.” Simultaneously, his film career flourished, with successful roles in movies such as “The Three Musketeers” and “The Towering Inferno.”
Oliver Reed, Michael York, Richard Chamberlain, and Frank Finlay on the set of “The Three Musketeers” on January 1, 1973 | Source: Getty Images
On television, Chamberlain became known as the “King of 80s Mini-Series.” His performances in epic productions like “The Count of Monte-Cristo,” “Shogun,” and “The Thorn Birds” earned him Emmy nominations and cemented his status as a quality star.
He won Golden Globe Awards for his roles in “Shogun” and “The Thorn Birds,” firmly establishing himself as one of television’s most respected actors. How far would his career have gone if fans had known the truth about his personal life? This question haunted him for decades.
Toshiro Mifune and Richard Chamberlain in “Shogun,” 1980 | Source: Getty Images
The Truth Behind the Image
Throughout these career triumphs, Chamberlain maintained a carefully crafted public persona. When magazines questioned him about marriage plans, he deflected with vague responses.
He admitted that he had to be careful about what he said. They’d ask when he planned to marry and have kids. He’d reply that it wasn’t the right time yet, because he was too busy.
This constant vigilance took a toll. It kept him from feeling free. But he got used to being careful in some places. He knew he’d be happier if he didn’t have to worry so much, but he had a lot to be happy about. He was an actor, which is what he always wanted.
Behind the scenes, a different story was unfolding – one that wouldn’t be shared with his fans for several decades.
Living in the Shadows
While Chamberlain’s career flourished, his personal life remained hidden from public view. In the shadows was Rabbett, born on May 14, 1953, in San Mateo, California – a writer and producer who would become Chamberlain’s partner for over 30 years.
Martin Rabbett backstage at “Hedwig and The Angry Inch” on Broadway at The Belasco Theater on May 27, 2014, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Eventually, Chamberlain’s philosophical essays marked the beginning of his and Rabbett’s public presence. His editor, Judith Regan, encouraged him to be more personal, and Rabbett helped shape the memoir that would eventually become “Shattered Love.”
Rabbett, who Chamberlain described as “organized and smart and methodical,” was “ruthless” with his partner’s prose.
Mark Rabbett, Cindy LeRoy, Paola, and Martin Rabbett at the Animal Rescue Fund Of The Hamptons Bow Wow Meow Ball in Wainscott, New York, on August 18, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
In the book, Chamberlain described growing up before World War II under the control of a brutal, alcoholic father and spending the next half-century struggling with self-loathing. “I so mistrusted myself,” he said, “that I invented another person to be.”
Richard Chamberlain, Helen Hunt, Shep Gordon, Renee Loux, Martin Rabbett, Mike Myers, and Robin Ruzan at the 2005 Maui Film Festival | Source: Getty Images
The secrecy took a toll on both men. “We paid a high price for Richard’s fame,” Rabbett said. After the book was published, he received a letter from one of Chamberlain’s fans that said, “We always knew you were there.” Rabbett was deeply touched by these words.
Mark Webb, Joani Amadori, and Martin Rabbett at the ARF Thrift Shop Designer Show House & Sale at ARF Thrift & Treasure Shop on May 26, 2018, in Sagaponack, New York. | Source: Getty Images
In Hawaii, where they lived for more than a decade, the couple built a beach house. While they didn’t mind if spirits found their home, they hoped to keep Chamberlain’s fans at a distance. For 27 years, as Chamberlain’s partner, Rabbett had been virtually invisible to the public.
Richard Chamberlain and Martin Rabbett with Antonella Giola, Fiorenza Botta, Rosanna Mani, Simona Morini, and Gigi Vesigna in Milan, 1983 | Source: Getty Images
Their relationship would face more challenges in the years ahead, but the bond between them would prove stronger than anyone expected.
Richard Chamberlain, Neil Patrick Harris, and Martin Rabbett backstage at “Hedwig and The Angry Inch” on Broadway at The Belasco Theater on May 27, 2014, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Coming Out and Finding Freedom
At nearly 70 years old, Chamberlain finally came out publicly in his 2003 memoir, “Shattered Love.” The decision to reveal his truth after decades of hiding was liberating, but came with its own set of realizations. “When you grow up in the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s being gay, it not only ain’t easy, it’s just impossible,” he explained. “You cannot do it.”
Richard Chamberlain during an in-store book signing for “Shattered Love” in 2003 | Source: Getty Images
Growing up, he internalized that being gay was the absolute worst. This created a deep sense of wrongness within him, a feeling that persisted even after achieving fame.
Revealing the truth marked a significant turning point in Chamberlain’s life. “I suddenly felt deep in my bones the truth of what this angel was saying to me,” he said. “I’m not claiming an angel was really there, but I felt touched by an angel.”
Richard Chamberlain at The Lesbian & Gay Community Services Center in Manhattan, New York, on June 5, 2003, with his book “Shattered Love” | Source: Getty Images
This led to a deep acceptance of his true self, followed by a sense of liberation. He anticipated questions about being gay in Hollywood and felt ready to discuss it openly with figures like Barbara Walters and Larry King, without any fear.
After coming out, Chamberlain also seemed to embrace roles that played with gender stereotypes. He had already appeared on “The Drew Carey Show” in full drag and later made guest appearances on “Will & Grace” and in the film “I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry.”
Eric McCormack and Richard Chamberlain in “Will & Grace” in 2005 | Source: Getty Images
His later television work included roles in “Brothers & Sisters” and “Leverage,” with his final film role being an acting coach in “Finding Julia” in 2019.
Despite being out, Chamberlain remained pragmatic about the challenges facing gay actors in Hollywood. In a 2010 interview, he said, “There’s still a tremendous amount of homophobia in our culture. It’s regrettable, it’s stupid, it’s heartless, and it’s immoral, but there it is.”
He considered a working actor fortunate for simply having a job, given the industry’s odds. Therefore, he deemed it unwise for a successful leading man to publicly disclose their homosexuality.
When asked when a main star should come out, he admitted he didn’t know. He expressed that even with all the progress back then, it remained risky for an actor to openly discuss such matters in what he perceived as a misdirected society. California’s Proposition 8, he argued, proved that full acceptance was far from reality.
The Final Chapter
In 2010, reports surfaced that Chamberlain and Rabbett had split, with Chamberlain moving to Los Angeles while Rabbett remained in Hawaii. But the actor clarified the situation.
“Well, we haven’t really split,” he explained. “In other words, we’re still very, very close. The essence of our relationship has remained the same; we just don’t happen to be living together.”
He explained his move was motivated by a desire to work more in Hollywood. Back then, they’d enjoyed Thanksgiving together and planned to spend Christmas with friends in New York. “I just moved to L.A. because I wanted to work more. Martin, unfortunately, doesn’t like L.A. at all, but he’s thinking of moving to San Francisco,” Chamberlain added.
In a separate interview, the actor described their living arrangement and how it benefited them. “We don’t live together anymore, and we’re much better friends than we’ve ever been. So I’m in the business of advising people who are married, etc., to get another house,” he stated.
Before Chamberlain’s death, the two had begun living together again in Hawaii, according to his spokesperson. Chamberlain had rediscovered his love for painting and exhibited his work there. He described himself as a contented “beach bum.”
In 2022, he told Fox News Digital, “Life is really nice. I’m sort of retired and can… live a much simpler life than when I was working. Acting is gratifying as it is extremely hard work… I can now sit around and watch TV if I want to, go to the movies, have dinner with friends and just have fun… it’s very gratifying.”
After the actor’s passing, Rabbett was listed as his only immediate survivor, and the producer released a statement, which read, “Our beloved Richard is with the angels now. He is free and soaring to those loved ones before us. How blessed were we to have known such an amazing and loving soul. Love never dies. And our love is under his wings lifting him to his next great adventure.”
Richard Chamberlain‘s journey from hiding his true self to finding peace and acceptance offers a poignant reflection on fame, identity, and the courage to finally live authentically after decades in the shadows. His story with Rabbett reminds us that love endures, even when hidden from the world.
