Richard Chamberlain (1930-2025) has died. He began his career in the golden age of television with "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" (1959). The TV series, "Dr. Kildare" (1961-1966) made him a "heart throb" on television.
In the 1970s - Chamberlain crossed over into movies with, "The Three Musketeers" (1973) which is a favorite of mine. "The Four Musketeers: Milady's Revenge" (1974). Plus, the disaster movie "The Towering Inferno" (1974).
By the 1980s - Richard would be labeled the "King of the TV Mini-Series." Back then.... There were only three major TV networks (ABC-NBC-CBS). Each network bought the rights to popular novels. They transformed them into a mini-series which crossed over multiple nights in prime-time television. Each production was a major event and would bring in massive TV ratings.
Chamberlain starred in "Shogun" based on James Clavell's novel (1980). It aired over five nights on NBC to critical and popular acclaim. He then starred in "The Thorn Birds" (1983) based on Colleen McCollough's novel. It aired over five nights on ABC. Chamberlain portrayed an ambitious Catholic priest (Ralph de Bricassart). He was committed to God and took a vow of celibacy. That is until he met Maggie Cleary (Rachel Ward).
"The Thorn Birds" was so popular in the TV ratings. It re-played on the ABC network a few more times to solid ratings. It would later play on Cable-TV bringing in more viewers. It also became a huge VHS Home Video rental. (When the DVD came out. There was a "Making Of...," documentary which was "gold" for all of the fans.
Rest in Peace... Richard Chamberlain.
Below is the ABC promo for "The Thorn Birds" from 1983.
Click on the photos below for Richard Chamberlain's long career.
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