Richard Chamberlain, Beloved Star of ‘The Thorn Birds’ and ‘Shōgun,’ Dies at 90

The entertainment world mourns the loss of Richard Chamberlain, the golden-haired leading man who became one of television’s most beloved actors through his iconic roles in The Thorn Birds and Shōgun. The actor passed away peacefully at his Los Angeles home at age 90, according to his longtime manager.

Chamberlain’s career spanned six remarkable decades, but it was his 1980s miniseries performances that cemented his place in television history. As the tormented priest Ralph de Bricassart in The Thorn Birds (1983), he created one of the most complex romantic heroes ever seen on television, with the miniseries remaining one of the highest-rated in TV history. Just three years earlier, he had captivated audiences as the shipwrecked English navigator John Blackthorne in Shōgun (1980), a role that required him to learn basic Japanese and helped introduce Western audiences to Japanese culture.

A Trailblazer On and Off Screen
Chamberlain broke new ground in 1961 when he transitioned from a struggling stage actor to overnight heartthrob as Dr. Kildare in the NBC medical drama. What few knew at the time was that Chamberlain was living as a closeted gay man in an era when such revelations could end careers. He would later become one of the first major stars of his generation to come out, publishing his memoir Shattered Love in 2003.

Later Career Renaissance
After the miniseries heyday, Chamberlain enjoyed a respected stage career, including acclaimed performances in My Fair Lady and The Sound of Music on Broadway. He returned to television in the 1990s with memorable roles in Twin Peaks and Desperate Housewives, proving his enduring appeal across generations.

Hollywood Remembers
Tributes poured in from co-stars and admirers:

• Rachel Ward (The Thorn Birds): “Richard brought such depth and vulnerability to Ralph. That performance changed all our lives.”
• John Rhys-Davies (Shōgun): “No one could command the screen like Richard. His Blackthorne was a masterclass.”
• Ryan Murphy: “He paved the way for so many of us, both as an actor and as a man living his truth.”

Chamberlain is survived by his partner of over 30 years, writer-producer Martin Rabbett. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Trevor Project, an organization Chamberlain passionately supported.