Richard Chamberlain, winner of national American television awards, is known for his roles in the series Doctor Kildare and Shogun. Most famous for his role as a priest in the series "Singing in Blackthorn" based on the novel of the same name.
Biography. early years
Richard Chamberlain was born March 13, 1934 in California, USA. His childhood and youth passed in Beverly Hills, where he received his education. In addition to him, the family had another child, Bill. Richard's mother, singer and actress, belonged to a creative environment and had many talents. My father struggled with alcoholism, which negatively affected the childhood of Richard and his brother.
After graduating from Beverly Hills High, Richard enrolled at Pomona College in California. There he studied art and painting, and also performed in theatrical productions. After participating in the delivery of Bernard Shaw’s play “Weapons and Man, ” Chamberlain realized that he wanted to connect his life with the theater scene.
However, the dream of an actor’s career had to be postponed. During the war with Korea, Chamberlain was drafted into the American army. "I hated the army
I do not like when they try to build me. I do not like to command people. I went 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 "Blackthorns"
In 1961, Chamberlain first appeared on television in the series Doctor Kildare. The role of a kind and caring intern who takes an active part in the lives of his patients brought him popularity in the USA and the Golden Globe Award in 1963. At the same time, Chamberlain tries himself in music, recording the song "Three Stars Will Shine Tonight" for the series.
The directors noticed the actor’s bright appearance and began to offer him roles in other projects. In 1964, Richard appears in the drama Twilight of Honor, and in 1965 starred in the film Joy in the Morning.
In 1966, the actor moved to the UK, deciding to devote himself to theatrical work. On the British stage, he plays serious and significant roles. 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 commendable reviews from critics, Chamberlain appears on television in the episode of the Hallmark Hall of Fame show the same year.
Shortly thereafter, Chamberlain plays the role of a priest who doubts his calling because of his love for a young parishioner in the series “Singing in Blackthorn”. Despite the rather risky theme for the time, the series attracted wide audience attention. The Blackthorns also earned several awards, including another Golden Globe and an Emmy for Chamberlain.
In 1988, Richard Chamberlain starred in the television adaptation of Robert Ludlam’s novel, The Secret of Bourne’s Personality.
Personal life
Despite the bright appearance and popularity among the public, the personal life of Richard Chamberlain for a long time remained a mystery to the press and his admirers. In December 1989, news of his homosexuality first appeared in Nous Deux magazine, but at that time Chamberlain denied all rumors related to it.
In 2003, Chamberlain's autobiography "Shattered Love" was released, in which he confessed to non-traditional sexual orientation. According to him, he hid this fact from a fear that this could hurt his career as an actor. In an interview with Dateline in the same year, Chamberlain admitted: "I no longer play romantic roles, so I no longer need to maintain an image by fooling the public."
In the 70s of the 20th century, Chamberlain had an affair with the young actor Wesley Yuar, who 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. In order to ward off public suspicions from the fact that they live together, Chamberlain officially adopted Rabbet. In 2010, they parted.
