The actor and singer, best known for his roles in “Shogun” and “The Thorn Birds,” had spoken openly about his journey of coming out as gay.
Richard Chamberlain’s longtime partner, Martin Rabbett, has shared a heartfelt tribute following the legendary actor’s passing. Chamberlain died on March 29 in Waimanalo, Hawai’i, at the age of 90 due to complications from a stroke.
Richard Chamberlain speaks onstage during the 10th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on February 22, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
Rabbett expressed his sorrow in a statement, “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.”
Richard Chamberlain, Neil Patrick Harris, and Martin Rabbett pose backstage at “Hedwig and The Angry Inch” on Broadway at The Belasco Theater, in New York City, on May 27, 2014
In 2003, Chamberlain publicly came out as gay in his memoir, “Shattered Love,” writing, “I can talk about it now because I’m not afraid anymore.”
He reflected on his experience in an interview, “When I grew up, being gay, being a sissy or anything like that, was verboten. I disliked myself intensely and feared this part of myself intensely and had to hide it.”
Richard Chamberlain posing with his partner Martin Rabbett and the journalists of the magazine TV Sorrisi e Canzoni Canzoni, Antonella Giola, Fiorenza Botta, Rosanna Mani, Simona Morini and with the editor Gigi Vesigna in Milan in 1983 | Source | Getty Images
Chamberlain was 69, and Rabbett was 50 when they first spoke to the media as a couple in an interview with The New York Times. Rabbett reflected on the challenges they faced, acknowledging, “We paid a high price for Richard’s fame.”
After years of keeping his sexuality private, Chamberlain spoke of the shift, “I played a cat-and-mouse game with the press. Game over.”
Richard Chamberlain, Helen Hunt, Shep Gordon, Renee Loux, Martin Rabbett, Mike Myers, and Robin Ruzan at the Maui Film Festival on June 17, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
The actor embraced his truth, adding, “I have no image to defend.” Rabbett also recognized the change in him, telling Chamberlain, “You’re lighter, freer now. You’ve lifted many, many veils.”
Their openness marked a new chapter in their relationship, one that reflected honesty and liberation. Rabbett played a key role in shaping Chamberlain’s memoir, encouraging him to embrace truth in telling his story.
Richard Chamberlain, circa 1970 | Source: Getty Images
After the book’s release, Rabbett was moved by a message from one of Chamberlain’s longtime fans, who wrote, “‘We always knew you were there.'” He shared, “That really touched me.”
Chamberlain, meanwhile, noted the positive reception to his coming out, “No one has tried to run me down in the street.”
Richard Chamberlain as Ralph de Bricassart for the television movie “The Thorn Birds: The Missing Years,” which aired on February 11, 1996 | Source: Getty Images
Richard Chamberlain, who was born on March 31, 1934, in Beverly Hills, California, had an extensive acting career. He attended Beverly Hills High School before pursuing a degree in art at Pomona College.
Following his graduation, he served in the U.S. Army for two years, spending time stationed in Korea. Upon returning, he took his first steps into acting with a guest role on Alfred Hitchcock “Presents,” marking the beginning of his illustrious career.
Richard Chamberlain, circa 1963 | Source: Getty Images
His success continued with standout performances in films such as “Petulia,” The Three Musketeers,” “The Music Lovers,” and Peter Weir’s “The Last Wave.” His versatility extended to both television and film, with appearances in “The Drew Carey Show,” “Nip/Tuck,” “I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry, Brothers & Sisters,” and “We Are the Hartmans.”
George C Scott confronts Richard Chamberlain and Julie Christie in a scene from the film “Petulia” in 1968 | Source: Getty Images
His dominance in television miniseries earned him the title “King of the Miniseries,” thanks to his standout performances in “Centennial,” “Shogun,” and “The Thorn Birds.” Still, Chamberlain excelled on television, taking on roles such as King Edward VIII, Octavius Caesar, and Scott Fitzgerald.
Richard Chamberlain as John Blackthorne in the TV miniseries “Shogun,” directed by Jerry London in 1980 | Source: Getty Images
Beyond acting, he briefly explored a music career, recording romantic ballads and earning a Grammy nomination. His talents also extended to the stage, where he portrayed the title role in “Hamlet” with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in England.
On Broadway, he starred in “My Fair Lady” and “The Sound of Music.” Chamberlain later toured successfully with both productions and took on the role of King Arthur in the national tour of the musical “Spamalot.”
Richard Chamberlain sings on the “Peter Alexander” show on November 25, 1994 | Source: Getty Images
In addition to his work in acting and music, Chamberlain was deeply passionate about environmental conservation. He was a strong advocate for the preservation of the Tuolumne River, which flows from Yosemite National Park in California.
His dedication played a key role in securing its protection under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, ensuring its natural beauty and ecosystem remained safeguarded for future generations.
Richard Chamberlain attends the premiere of “Twin Peaks” at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles, California, on May 19, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Beyond his career, Martin Rabbett’s words after Chamberlain’s death reflect the profound love they had for each other. They paint a picture of a life filled with warmth, companionship, and devotion.
As the entertainment industry mourns a true legend, his legacy lives on, not just in his work but in the love he leaves behind.
Richard Chamberlain attends the opening night performance of “The Madwoman in the Volvo” at the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena, California, on June 5, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Throughout the peaks and valleys of his career, one constant was his relationship with Rabbett. Though their personalities and age differences occasionally clashed — Chamberlain once described himself as “the epitome of selfishness” — they shared what he called a “deep soul relationship that is astounding.”
They married privately in 1984 and spent more than three decades together, living mostly in Hawaii.
In the early 2010s, rumors swirled that the couple had split. But Chamberlain later clarified, “Well, we haven’t really split. In other words, we’re still very, very close. The essence of our relationship has remained the same; we just don’t happen to be living together.”
Chamberlain explained that he moved to Los Angeles to focus on his career, while Rabbett chose to remain elsewhere, as he didn’t enjoy living in L.A. but was considering relocating to San Francisco.
Richard Chamberlain at an in-store event to sign copies of the newly released “Shogun” DVD at the Virgin Megastore on Sunset Boulevard, on September 23, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
They remained in regular contact and continued spending time together. “I went home for Thanksgiving and had the most wonderful time,” Chamberlain said. “And we’ll be spending Christmas together with friends in New York.”
It was one of many quiet moments Chamberlain shared in his later years — personal, reflective, and deeply human. While he stepped away from the spotlight, these glimpses revealed a man who had not vanished, but instead chosen when and how to be seen.
Richard Chamberlain attends the Off-Broadway opening night after-party for the New Group production of “Sticks and Bones” on November 6, 2014, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Although Chamberlain officially retired in 2019 at age 85, he made a few quiet appearances in his final years. These moments — captured in photos and a video — offered fans a final glimpse of a beloved actor who remained gracious, thoughtful, and quietly engaged with the world.
That same year, Chamberlain appeared in a public service announcement supporting Hawai’i’s Our Care, Our Choice Act, which gives terminally ill individuals the legal option of medical aid in dying.
In March 2023, Chamberlain made two appearances at the Manoa Valley Theatre in Honolulu. At one event, he was photographed holding a signed vinyl record of his 1963 film “Twilight of Honor.”
Later that month, he returned to the same venue and greeted guests backstage during intermission. Wearing leis and smiling warmly, he appeared relaxed and happy to be among longtime supporters.
A few months later, in August, another photo captured Chamberlain at a private gathering in Honolulu. He’s seen smiling alongside Chef Lillian Cumic, wearing a printed shirt and glasses, looking cheerful and at ease. Cumic holds a cloth with the word “Breathe” written on it as they pose warmly for the camera.
