Renowned actor Richard Chamberlain passed away on March 29, 2023, in Waimanalo, Hawaii. His publicist, Harlan Boll, confirmed the sad news to Variety, outlining complications following a stroke as the cause of death. Chamberlain, 90, was celebrated for his iconic roles in classic television series such as Dr. Kildare, Shogun, and The Thorn Birds.
A Glimpse into Richard Chamberlain’s Relationships
Richard Chamberlain’s personal life has always intrigued fans, particularly his romantic relationships. He was in a relationship with actor Wesley Eure from 1975 to 1976. According to a report by the Daily Mail, they cohabitated for a year before Chamberlain began his long-term relationship with Martin Rabbett in 1977.
Chamberlain and Rabbett married in a discreet civil ceremony in 1984, a fact revealed years later when Chamberlain openly discussed his sexual orientation in his autobiography, Shattered Love, published in 2003. Their relationship lasted for over two decades until they amicably separated in 2010.
“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,”Rabbett expressed in a heartfelt statement to Variety.
Enduring Friendship and Professional Focus
Despite their separation, Chamberlain and Rabbett maintained a strong friendship. In a November 2014 interview with The New York Times, Chamberlain humorously advised couples to consider alternate living arrangements for lasting friendship.
“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 said.
A source close to the couple stated that their split was amicable, with Chamberlain wanting to focus on his Hollywood career while Rabbett remained in Hawaii, where he had struggled to maintain industry connections.
“Martin served as Richard’s manager for years, but getting older and being out in Hawaii for so long, he really didn’t have the connections to make a big push for Richard,”the source commented.
Richard Chamberlain’s Journey with His Identity
Chamberlain’s experiences as a gay man in the mid-20th century were fraught with challenges. In his 2014 New York Times interview, he candidly shared the difficulties he faced growing up in an era when being gay was stigmatized. Despite his fame, he often grappled with feelings of inadequacy regarding his identity.
“When you grow up in the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s being gay, it not only ain’t easy, it’s just impossible. You cannot do it, being gay was the worst thing you can possibly be. I assumed there was something terribly wrong with me. And even becoming famous and all that, it was still there,”he reflected.
Richard Chamberlain leaves behind his former partner Martin Rabbett, as well as a legacy in the entertainment industry that will not be forgotten.