Thorn Birds’ Star Richard Chamberlain Dies — His Final Public Appearance with His Partner Remembered

Richard Chamberlain, who rose to fame in the 1960s medical drama Dr. Kildare and later reigned as the king of television miniseries with hits like Shogun and The Thorn Birds, has passed away at the age of 90. His last public appearance was two years ago.

Rachel Ward and Richard Chamberlain on “The Thorn Birds” on March 27, 1983 | Source: Getty Images

In March 2023, Chamberlain was seen looking remarkably youthful at 89. While many remember him as the heartthrob doctor from the ‘60s and the dashing priest from the ‘80s, few know that he publicly came out as gay at nearly 70.

Back in 2004, when asked about living a double life, Chamberlain admitted that he grew up feeling ashamed and hidden. Once fame arrived, he found joy in acting, loved the spotlight, and embraced the challenges each role brought.

Richard Chamberlain posing for a photo circa 1960 | Source: Getty Images

Still, a part of him remained cautious, reserved, and critical. Fortunately, even while living privately, he found partners who accepted his truth—including his longtime companion Martin Rabbett, with whom he shared 38 years as of 2023.

Chamberlain later confessed that, for most of his life, he prioritized his career over love, feeling as though he couldn’t survive without it. When he finally came out publicly on Dateline, he described it as “the happiest day of my life.”

Richard Chamberlain, Neil Patrick Harris, and Martin Rabbett pose backstage at “Hedwig and The Angry Inch” on Broadway on May 27, 2014, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

He was surprised by his own bravery on national television, but the experience was freeing. He and Rabbett had met while working on a play in Los Angeles. Despite Rabbett being in a relationship at the time, they began dating and developed what Chamberlain called a profound soul connection.

Rabbett was 19 years younger but, according to Chamberlain, wise beyond his years. Their love flourished in the absence of pressure or expectations.

Although Chamberlain feared that coming out might damage his carefully crafted public image, his career continued strong. Fans were thrilled to catch a glimpse of him in 2023.

Richard Chamberlain in the television series “Dr. Kildare,” circa 1965 | Source: Getty Images

How Did Richard Look at 89?

On March 19, 2023, music educator Ira Wong shared two Facebook photos posing with Chamberlain at the Manoa Valley Theatre in Honolulu, Hawaii. The actor wore a black sweatsuit and gray sneakers, smiling warmly as he signed autographs.

Three days later, Wong posted again, this time showing Chamberlain backstage during intermission. Wong described him as “very nice” and “totally unpretentious.” Rabbett also appeared in another post from that day, smiling and looking well.

Fans were delighted—one called Wong “lucky” for meeting the legend, another said the image was “awesome,” and someone shared a personal story of working for Chamberlain’s lawyer, recalling him as “always gracious and courteous.”

Did the Couple Split and What Was Richard’s Life Like Recently?

Richard Chamberlain at the premiere of “Twin Peaks” on May 19, 2017, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

In a December 2010 interview, Chamberlain addressed rumors that he and Rabbett had separated after he moved from their shared Hawaii home to Los Angeles.

He clarified they hadn’t broken up and were still very close. Although they no longer lived together, they remained connected, and he’d returned for Thanksgiving, which he said was wonderful.

In December 2022, Chamberlain gave an update, saying they planned to spend Christmas together in New York with friends. He explained he’d relocated to Los Angeles to pursue more work opportunities, while Rabbett wasn’t fond of the city. Rabbett was considering moving to San Francisco.

When asked if he was single and looking, Chamberlain—then 76—laughed and said that wasn’t something he thought about at his age.

Richard Chamberlain during the season four premiere screening of “Nip/Tuck” in Hollywood, California, on August 25, 2006 | Source: Getty Images

He never addressed the breakup rumors publicly, simply because he wasn’t aware of them and didn’t pay much attention to the media. However, a 2019 Instagram post shared by Rabbett and Jocelyn Fujii showed the couple smiling together in Honolulu, confirming they were still close.

That same December 2022, Chamberlain reflected on his current life. He said things were “really nice,” explaining that he had essentially retired and now enjoyed a slower, simpler existence compared to his busy acting days.

Though he acknowledged that acting was rewarding but very hard work, he was grateful to now have the freedom to relax, watch TV, go to the movies, or enjoy dinner with friends. “Very gratifying,” he said.

Richard Chamberlain passed away at age 90. His longtime publicist confirmed he died of natural causes on March 30 at his home in California. Rest in peace.