Actor Richard Chamberlain, 90, died two days before his birthday this weekend, his publicist Harlan Boll confirmed in a statement to the The New York Times. Known for his roles in Dr. Kildare, The Thorn Birds, and Shogun, Chamberlain died Saturday in Waimanalo, Hawaii, from stroke complications. Chamberlain became somewhat of a heartthrob during Dr. Kildare, receiving 12,000 letters a week from fans during the show’s run, reported the NYT. Chamberlain’s longtime partner Martin Rabbett, 71, made a heartfelt statement for the Golden Globe-winning actor, also confirming his death. “Our beloved Richard is with the angels now. He is free and soaring to those loved ones before us,” said Rabbett. “Love never dies. And our love is under his wings, lifting him to his next great adventure.” Although his stardom began in the 1960s for his leading role as Dr. James Kildare in Dr. Kildare, Chamberlain did not come out as gay until his memoir, Shattered Love, published in 2003.
