Chamberlain departed on Saturday night in Waimānalo, Hawaii, following complications from a stroke, as informed by his publicist, Harlan Boll.

In a heartfelt statement, Chamberlain’s lifelong partner, Martin Rabbett, expressed deepest condolences, celebrating Chamberlain’s remarkable life and the love they shared.

Chamberlain, with his tall stature and timeless good looks, instantly captured the hearts of audiences as the compassionate physician on “Dr. Kildare,” which aired from 1961 to 1966. His popularity reached new heights, earning him recognition from Photoplay magazine as the most popular male star for three consecutive years from 1963 to 1965.

It was not until 2003, through his autobiography “Shattered Love,” that Chamberlain openly spoke about his sexuality, acknowledging what many in Hollywood had long suspected.

Following the success of “Dr. Kildare,” Chamberlain took on the role of “king of the TV miniseries” in 1978 with “Centennial,” a 24-hour epic based on James Michener’s novel. This was followed by another epic miniseries, “Shōgun,” based on James Clavell’s novel in 1980.

The pinnacle of his miniseries career came in 1983 with “The Thorn Birds,” where he portrayed the complex character of Father Ralph de Bricassart opposite Rachel Ward’s Meggie Cleary. The series drew an impressive audience, reportedly reaching 100 million viewers.

Over the years, Chamberlain’s versatile talent earned him Golden Globes for his performances in “Shōgun” and “The Thorn Birds,” as well as Dr. Kildare.

With the waning interest in miniseries, Chamberlain gracefully transitioned to the stage, showcasing his singing voice in Broadway productions like “My Fair Lady” and “The Sound of Music.”

He reprised his role as de Bricassart in the TV film “The Thorn Birds: The Missing Years” and continued to appear in various films, including “The Music Lovers,” “The Madwoman of Chaillot,” “The Towering Inferno,” and “The Three Musketeers” and its sequels.

“Dr. Kildare” was inspired by successful films of the 1930s and 1940s and quickly made Chamberlain an overnight star, alongside other actors from the era such as Vince Edwards, who starred in the medical show “Ben Casey.”

His book reveals a tumultuous childhood and his struggle with keeping his true identity hidden, a weight he expressed relief in finally setting free.

Though he may be gone, Chamberlain’s legacy as a trailblazing actor and advocate for authenticity continue to inspire. He died in Hawaii, where he and Rabbett enjoyed a peaceful life together.