Chamberlain also made inroads back to Hollywood in the early '70s in three blockbuster films, gaining a new legion of fans for his amusing performance as Aramis in Richard Lester's all-star "Three Musketeers" (1973) and "Four Musketeers" (1974), and holding his own opposite Steve McQueen, Paul Newman and a burning building in "The Towering Inferno" (1974).Īmerican television continued to offer Chamberlain exceptional characters throughout the '70s and he gained a reputation as a versatile actor who could handle period pieces, heavy drama, and action with equal skill. Chamberlain continued to broaden his horizons in the '70s by playing the classical composer Tchaikovsky in visionary director Ken Russell's "The Music Lovers" (1970), giving a remarkable, scene-stealing performance as a flamboyant Lord Byron in Robert Bolt's "Lady Caroline Lamb" (1972), and winning praise as Edward VIII, who gave up his throne for Wallis Warfield Simpson (Faye Dunaway) in "The Woman I Love" (1972) (reportedly, the Royal Family was displeased with his casting in this controversial role). Chamberlain portrayed Julie Christie's rotter of a husband in "Petulia" (1968), co-starred with Katherine Hepburn in Bryan Forbes' film adaptation of "The Madwoman of Challiot," and won raves from the notoriously difficult English theater critics for his performance as Hamlet, which he later recreated for TV's "Hallmark Hall of Fame" in 1970. He was being considered a more a serious actor, with the roles now coming his way reflecting that sea change. Knowing this, Chamberlain then turned his back on television, pursuing roles in touring stage productions instead.Įventually, Chamberlain relocated to England, where he earned considerable praise for his performance in a 1968 TV production of "A Portrait of a Lady." That project signaled a turning point in the public perception of Chamberlain - no longer was he regarded as merely a handsome American TV celebrity. He attempted to break free of the Kildare image in two theatrical features, "Twilight of Honor" and "Joy in the Morning," but neither of the sudsy films did much to lend a sense of gravitas to his image. But Chamberlain sought more for his acting career than an avid fan base. Chamberlain's good looks helped make him an overnight sensation and a heartthrob of the first order his pin-up status was further solidified by a string of pop singles he recorded between 19. Kildare," a medical drama about a young intern learning the ropes at a major hospital. In 1961, Chamberlain's career took off with his performance as the title role in "Dr. He began landing his first screen roles in the late '50s and early '60s on TV series such as "Gunsmoke" (CBS, 1955-1975) "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" (CBS/NBC, 1955-62) and in several undistinguished theatrical features. After his return to the States, Chamberlain studied under noted acting teacher Jeff Corey and co-founded the Los Angeles theater group Company of Angels. The latter became his primary passion while attending Pomona College, and he might have signed with Paramount Pictures, had he not been required to serve in Korea for 16 months. Additionally, he triumphed in his personal life as well by, not only launching a successful second career as an artist, but by revealing his struggles as a gay man forced to conceal his sexuality in Hollywood for the past four decades.īorn George Richard Chamberlain in Beverly Hills, CA on March 31, 1934, Chamberlain excelled at both sports and art while a student. Kildare" (NBC, 1961-66) appearing in some of the most widely-seen projects in entertainment history, including the epic miniseries "Shogun," "Centennial," and most memorably, "The Thorn Birds." At the same time, he won the acceptance of the theater world with performances in acclaimed productions on both sides of the Atlantic. A popular and versatile actor with a 40-year career spanning film, stage, pop music and television, Richard Chamberlain overcame the "handsome face" label that dogged him during his stint on TV's "Dr.
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