Richard Chamberlain, winner of the National American Television Awards, is best known for his roles in the series Dr. Kildare and Shogun. He is best known for his role as a priest in the TV series "The Thorn Birds" based on the novel of the same name.
Biography. early years
Richard Chamberlain was born on March 13, 1934 in California, USA. He spent his childhood and adolescence in Beverly Hills, where he was educated. Besides him, the family had another child, Bill. Richard's mother, singer and actress, belonged to a creative environment and had many talents. The father struggled with alcoholism, which negatively affected the childhood of Richard and his brother.
After graduating from Beverly Hills High, Richard entered Pomona College in California. There he studied art and painting, and also performed in theatrical performances. After participating in the delivery of the play "Arms and Man" by Bernard Shaw, Chamberlain realized that he wanted to connect his life with the theater stage.
However, the dreams of an actor's career had to be postponed. During the Korean War, Chamberlain was drafted into the American army. “I hated the army … I don't like it when they try to build me. I don't like to command people. I came out as a sergeant, but for me it was just another role,”Chamberlain later said in an interview with The Advocate.
Success on television. Dr. Kildare and the Thorn Birds
In 1961, Chamberlain first appeared on television in the series "Dr. Kildare". His role as a kind and caring intern who takes an active part in the lives of his patients earned him popularity in the United States and the Golden Globe Award in 1963. At the same time, Chamberlain tried himself in music, recording the song "Three Stars Will Shine Tonight" for the series.
The directors noticed the bright appearance of the actor and began to offer him roles in other projects. In 1964, Richard appeared in the drama "Twilight of Honor", and in 1965 starred in the film "Joy in the Morning".
In 1966, the actor moved to Great Britain, deciding to devote himself to theatrical work. On the British stage, he plays a serious and significant role. In 1969, at the Birmingham Repertory Theater, he plays the role that every actor dreams of - Hamlet. Thus, Chamberlain became the first American to play this role (excluding John Barrymore in 1929). Having earned accolades from critics, Chamberlain appeared on television in an episode of the Hallmark Hall of Fame that same year.
In 1973, Chamberlain played Aramis in The Three Musketeers, which also starred such stars of those years as Raquel Welch, Faye Dunaway, Oliver Reed. In 1974, Hell Rising followed with Paul Newman as a colleague. Chamberlain also continues to work on television, starring in 1977 in the television film "The Man in the Iron Mask" and the mini-series "Centennial". In 1980, Chamberlain starred in the mini-series Shogun. The series, based on the novel of the same name by James Clavell, has become very popular in America. For his work, Chamberlain received another Golden Globe and an Emmy nomination.
Shortly thereafter, Chamberlain plays the role of a priest who doubts his calling because of his love for a young parishioner in the TV series Singing in the Thorns. Despite a rather risky topic for that time, the series attracted wide attention of the audience. The Thorn Birds also earned several awards, including another Golden Globe and an Emmy for Chamberlain.
In 1988, Richard Chamberlain starred in the television adaptation of Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Identity Mystery.
Personal life
Despite his striking appearance and popularity among the public, the personal life of Richard Chamberlain has long remained a secret for the press and his admirers. In December 1989, news of his homosexuality first appeared in the magazine Nous Deux, but at the time Chamberlain denied any rumors associated with it.
In 2003, Chamberlain's autobiography "Shattered Love" was published, in which he confessed to non-traditional sexual orientation. According to him, he hid this fact for fear that it might damage his acting career. In an interview with Dateline that same year, Chamberlain admitted: "I no longer play romantic roles, so I no longer need to maintain my image by fooling the audience."
In the 70s of the 20th century, Chamberlain had an affair with a young actor Wesley South, which both carefully concealed: America of those years did not welcome such a relationship. Shortly after their relationship ended, Chamberlain met actor and writer Martin Rabbet, who became his partner for the next 40 years. To divert public suspicion from the fact that they are living together, Chamberlain officially adopted Rabbet. In 2010, they separated.
Later years
Despite his advanced age, Chamberlain continues to take part in projects that seem interesting to him. So, in 2009 he played the role of King Arthur in the comedy musical "Spamalot", took part in the theatrical version of "The Exorcist" in 2012, and in 2014 he played in the Broadway production of the play "Sticks and Bones" by David Rabe.
Chamberlain continues to appear on television, appearing in episodes of Desperate Housewives, Chuck and Impact. In 2010, he played the role of a homosexual in the TV series Brothers and Sisters.
In addition to his memoirs, Richard Chamberlain also wrote a collection of haiku poems, My Life in Haiku, which was published in 2013.
There was also news that Chamberlain would take part in a remake of the cult TV series Twin Peaks.
