Richard Chamberlain, the acclaimed actor best known for his roles in Dr. Kildare and Shogun, died on March 29 at the age of 90 in Waimanalo, Hawaii, following complications from a stroke. He would have turned 91 two days later.
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 Rabbet (Richard’s ex-husband)
With a career spanning nearly six decades, he was celebrated for his work in films like Petulia and The Three Musketeers and for portraying notable figures such as Raoul Wallenberg and Edward VIII on television. He won a Golden Globe for Shogun and gained lasting fame as Father Ralph in The Thorn Birds. In addition to acting, Chamberlain showcased his musical talents on Broadway in productions like My Fair Lady and The Sound of Music. After publicly coming out in 2003, he described the experience as profoundly freeing. Tributes from fans highlighted his enduring legacy as both a talented performer and a cherished individual.
One of Richard Chamberlain’s final performances on screen was as Bill Kennedy, the secretary to FBI Chief of Staff Denise Bryson, in Part 4 of Twin Peaks: The Return. During his brief 30 seconds of screen time, he delivers a memorable moment when Gordon Cole (played by David Lynch) asks about Martha and whether she ever resolved “that thing with Paul.” Chamberlain’s character calmly assures Cole, “Paul is now in the North Pole,” leaving both men clearly satisfied with the update.
Richard Chamberlain at the Twin Peaks premiere in Los Angeles (2017)
Chamberlain had a close relationship with Joanna Ray, David Lynch’s longtime casting director, as well as with actors Adele Jones (Lt. Knox in Twin Peaks) and Amy Shiels (Candie in Twin Peaks). Both Jones and Shiels shared touching tributes to Chamberlain on Instagram, honoring his legacy and their connection to him.
Amy Shiels shared some heartwarming photos and wrote:
Richard Chamberlain was like an American father to me. He was a true gentleman, supporter, kind, intelligent, talented, divine, beautiful, caring, generous! And so goofy!! I will love him for eternity. When we would go out people would regularly come up to him to thank him for his humanitarianism, his openness, and philanthropy. He truly changed the world for the better. He is up there singing, having fun and preparing heaven for us all. Love you Richard, it was an honor to be your friend xx
Adele Jones shared photos as well alongside this beautiful tribute:
Today, when I saw that Richard Chamberlain had passed away, I quickly went to his contact card to see the last time we connected. As I scrolled through our history, I saw that he and I were texting once about a mutual acquaintance that had died. I like to believe Richard is now in this place that he talked about back then…
“Who can know, but I’ll bet that his lovely spirit is with us all and having a really good time.”
The last photo posted here, a black and white single of Richard, is from 2013, and is the first time I ever hung out with him. I had been hearing about Richard from Johanna Ray for almost 8 years at that point, as I had been working for Johanna on and off and he was a several decade very dear friend of hers. It was a long time coming, but life just never connected Richard and me in person before this night. He did not disappoint.
We started the evening by going to dinner at a street Thai place called TYPHOON, which sadly no longer exists. Richard ordered scorpions to eat, and loved the adventure of it. I refused to even try a bite. Johanna did the same. He finished them off.
From there, we wandered over to support small theatre by attending a play called “El Grande de Coca Cola” at the Ruskin Group Theatre. Being from a different generation, I only truly realized his legendary status when we arrived to the Theatre. Despite all I’d heard about, it never set in for me. Until…I heard all the whispers and saw all the stares. People took pictures, and at the end of the show that he had nothing to do with but being an audience member, he tap danced on the stage, obliging a request to see him dance and sing. He was blowing my mind with his talent. I have a video of that somewhere 🥰.
On all of the times I saw him, we didn’t speak about the history of his work, so he was just Richard to me, and a best friend of one of my best friends. In those limited moments, it was clear that Richard was a GREAT, UNIQUE, and SPECIAL light. I am fortunate to have enjoyed his company on several occasions, and he joined me on some of my many adventures to help others in need. He also coached me on acting, when he and Johanna agreed to come as special guests, together, to an acting class of mine and critique us all. Hrach Titizian taught that class.
My heart goes out to anyone that is mourning his loss right now, but especially to any of my friends. I’m in pain for their hearts and loss. He was so much more than this, but he is yet another #twinpeaksfamily loss, and Angel gained. Sigh. 💔
He would always sign off to me… “Warmest Aloha”.
Same to you, Richard. Thank you for you, thank you for sharing your light with me, and also with the world. Thank you for saying yes to me, any opportunity you had to do so. I am but shone upon by you, and brighter because of it. What a great honor it was…
Love and Warmest Aloha,
Adele
Fire walk with 
