Heart-throb Actor Richard Chamberlain, Star Of Thorn Birds, Dies Aged 90

Richard Chamberlain, the Emmy-nominated actor and 1960s heart-throb who rocketed to fame in the TV medical drama Dr Kildare and starred in the miniseries Shogun and The Thorn Birds has died at the age of 90, publicist Harlan Boll said.

Chamberlain died late on Saturday in Hawaii from complications from a stroke, he said in a statement on Sunday.

Chamberlain was an instant hit, and became a teen idol, as the handsome Dr James Kildare in the series that ran from 1961-1966. The Guardian newspaper said the then 27-year-old actor looked like he had been sculpted by a loving god out of butter, honey and grace.

The breakout role was the start of a six decade-career that spanned theatre, films and television.

Chamberlain was dubbed the king of the miniseries after appearing in several TV dramas in the 1980s and earned plaudits on stage in roles ranging from Professor Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady and Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music to Shakespeare's Hamlet and Richard II.