For almost three decades, Richard Chamberlain — once considered the quintessential leading man of American television — quietly kept his romantic relationship out of the public eye, maintaining the image of a charming bachelor while privately building a life with his longtime partner.
Richard Chamberlain, circa 1965 | Source: Getty Images
Best known for captivating millions as Dr. Kildare in the 1960s, Chamberlain passed away on March 29, 2025, at age 90, just two days before what would have been his 91st birthday. The cause was complications from a stroke, and his passing marked the close of a remarkable era spanning stage, film, and television.
Cassandra Peterson and Martin Rabbett attend the “Rambling Rose” Westwood Premiere on September 19, 1991, at the Mann National Theatre in Westwood, California | Source: Getty Images
From Teen Idol to Respected Actor
Chamberlain’s early years were shaped by emotional turmoil and a difficult family life. Yet he found a sense of purpose in athletics and later, acting — a passion that took hold while studying at Pomona College. Following a 16-month service in Korea, he made his way to Hollywood, landing minor roles before skyrocketing to fame in Dr. Kildare in 1961.
Richard Chamberlain, circa 1960 | Source: Getty Images
The show made him a household name almost overnight, drawing in over 12,000 fan letters per week. He later remarked, “Even Clark Gable didn’t get that much fan mail.” But with stardom came limitations — audiences saw him as a TV icon, not a serious actor.
To change that, Chamberlain pivoted to theater, moving to England and winning critical praise for Shakespearean roles, including Hamlet and Richard II. His efforts to reshape his image eventually led to celebrated roles in films such as Julius Caesar, The Music Lovers, and Lady Caroline Lamb.
Richard Chamberlain in a headshot promotional portrait for “Dr. Kildare” in 1961 | Source: Getty Images
A Rebirth on Television
By the 1980s, Chamberlain had earned a new title: the King of the TV Miniseries. Performances in The Count of Monte Cristo, Shogun, and The Thorn Birds earned him Golden Globes and further solidified his place in TV history. But behind the accolades, there was another story — one he kept hidden.
Toshiro Mifune and Richard Chamberlain in “Shogun,” 1980 | Source: Getty Images
Guarding the Truth
Though he was often asked about settling down or starting a family, Chamberlain always sidestepped with careful answers. Publicly, he remained unattached. Privately, he had built a deep and lasting bond with Martin Rabbett — a writer, producer, and partner who stood beside him for over 30 years.
Martin Rabbett backstage at “Hedwig and The Angry Inch” on Broadway at The Belasco Theater on May 27, 2014, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Born in 1953, Rabbett helped edit Chamberlain’s 2003 memoir Shattered Love, encouraging him to reveal his truth. In the book, Chamberlain opened up about the emotional cost of hiding his identity, the pain of growing up in a household with an abusive father, and the decades he spent pretending to be someone else.
Mark Rabbett, Cindy LeRoy, Paola, and Martin Rabbett at the Animal Rescue Fund Of The Hamptons Bow Wow Meow Ball in Wainscott, New York, on August 18, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Rabbett once reflected, “We paid a high price for Richard’s fame.” Still, the couple quietly built a life together in Hawaii, where they lived in a beachside home far from prying eyes — and largely invisible to the public.
Coming Out and Owning His Story
Richard Chamberlain, Helen Hunt, Shep Gordon, Renee Loux, Martin Rabbett, Mike Myers, and Robin Ruzan at the 2005 Maui Film Festival | Source: Getty Images
It wasn’t until age 69 that Chamberlain publicly came out, through his memoir. The moment was both freeing and deeply emotional. He described feeling as if “an angel” had touched him, giving him permission to live openly.
Afterward, he appeared in guest roles that leaned into humor and self-awareness — from Will & Grace to The Drew Carey Show. Though out publicly, Chamberlain remained realistic about the risks for gay actors in Hollywood. “There’s still a lot of homophobia in our culture,” he said in 2010. “It’s heartless, but it’s real.”
Richard Chamberlain at The Lesbian & Gay Community Services Center in Manhattan, New York, on June 5, 2003, with his book “Shattered Love” | Source: Getty Images
Love Through Distance, and a Reunion
In 2010, reports surfaced that Chamberlain and Rabbett had gone their separate ways when Chamberlain moved to Los Angeles. But he clarified they hadn’t split — they were still close and committed, just living apart. “We’re better friends than we’ve ever been,” he said. “Sometimes space makes things stronger.”
Eventually, they reunited in Hawaii. Chamberlain found peace in painting and the simple pleasures of beachside life. “I’m sort of retired now,” he said in 2022. “It’s nice — I can watch movies, see friends, just enjoy life.”
A Final Goodbye
When Chamberlain died in 2025, Rabbett was listed as his only immediate survivor. His tribute was tender and full of quiet reverence:
“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.” — Martin Rabbett
In the end, Richard Chamberlain’s legacy was not just in the roles he played, but in the quiet courage it took to live his truth — even if the world wasn’t ready to see it. His love story with Martin Rabbett, long hidden, now stands as a beautiful reminder that some of the strongest bonds grow away from the spotlight — but shine just as bright.