Richard Chamberlain: The TV Heartthrob Who Stole Our Hearts

Post-Kildare Struggles: Chamberlain’s Attempts to Break Into Film, His Struggles to Leave Dr. Kildare Behind, and His Decision to Focus on Stage Work

Not everyone had Chamberlain picked as a future star. He was handsome enough: with profiles at the time gushing over his “fine-lined aristocratic face, suggesting a young Florentine noble – straight out of the Renaissance”. But, he was naturally diffident – which worked in his favour when he auditioned to play Dr. James Kildare, a medical intern struggling to learn his profession, in NBC’s new primetime medical drama.

The series ran for nearly 200 programmes across five seasons. It broke new ground, by raising matters such as drug addiction – which had not previously been shown on US TV. There was a huge reaction from female fans. Chamberlain got 12,000 letters a week. In Pittsburgh, 450,000 people turned out to see him at a parade, and in New York, he nearly caused a riot when a child spotted him and called his name.

The studio made the most of this attention, releasing novels, comics and games featuring Chamberlain’s image. Fans would even write in asking “Dr. Kildare” to solve their various medical problems. And Chamberlain had an unlikely hit single: Three Stars Will Shine Tonight, where romantic words were added to the show’s distinctive opening theme tune. He won a Golden Globe Award for best TV actor in 1963.

But, three years later audiences began to wane, and NBC pulled the plug. Now an international star, Chamberlain struggled to leave Kildare behind. In 1966, he hoped to break into films, but reviews slated his performance in the light romantic comedy, Joy in the Morning. Audiences, they said, laughed in “all the wrong places”. So, he resolved to ignore Hollywood and make a living on the stage.

Richard Chamberlain as Hamlet at the Bir

Richard Chamberlain won a Golden Globe as Dr. James Kildare [Getty Images]

Shogun and The Thorn Birds: Chamberlain’s Resurgence in the 1980s with His Iconic Roles in Shogun and The Thorn Birds, and His Emmy Nominations

Chamberlain became king of the 1980’s TV mini-series: playing a western prisoner in Shogun and a catholic priest tempted by love in The Thorn Birds. He denied being gay when confronted by a French magazine in 1989, and did not speak publicly about his homosexuality until he turned 70. In interviews promoting his 2003 memoir, he advised other handsome leading actors to keep their sexuality to themselves.

“There’s still a tremendous amount of homophobia in our culture,” he said. “Please, don’t pretend that we’re suddenly all wonderfully, blissfully accepted.”

Legacy and Impact

A Lasting Influence: Chamberlain’s Contributions to the Entertainment Industry, His Range as an Actor, and His Enduring Legacy

Chamberlain was an instant hit, and became a teen idol, as the handsome Dr. James Kildare in the series that ran from 1961-1966. The breakout role was the start of a six decade-career that spanned theater, films and television.

What’s fascinating about Richard is that his range is enormous. His ability to be different each time out is what makes him such a valuable property,” producer Susan Baerwald told the New York Times in 1988.

Personal Reflections: Chamberlain’s Thoughts on His Life, His Struggles, and His Triumphs, and the Lessons He Leaves Behind

“When you grow up in the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s being gay, it’s not only ain’t easy, it’s just impossible,” he told the New York Times in 2014. “I assumed there was something terribly wrong with me. And even becoming famous and all that, it was still there.”

It was a tremendous relief after he acknowledged his sexuality in his 2003 autobiography “Shattered Love: A Memoir.” “I had no fear left,” he said in a 2019 interview. “It was a wonderful experience. People were open, friendly and sweet.”