Richard Chamberlain’s “partner of life” and the best friend, Martin Rabbett, pays tribute to the deceased actor after his death at the age of 90.
Chamberlain, who played in mini-series like “Shōgun” in 1980 and “The Thorn Birds” in 1983, died on Saturday March 29, his representative, Harlan Boll, confirmed in a press release.
Boll shared that Chamberlain died in Waimānalo, Hawaii, complications after undergoing a stroke. Chamberlain would have celebrated his 91st anniversary on March 31.
Chamberlain is survived by Rabbett, his “life partner and best friend”, whom he remained near his death, said Boll.
In a press release celebrating the life of Chamberlain, Rabbett, writer and producer, said: “Our beloved Richard is with the angels now. He is free and soaring for these relatives in front of us. What was the chance to have had such an incredible and loving soul. ”
He added: “Love never dies. And our love is under his wings lifting him at his next great adventure. ”
Read the rest to find out more about Chamberlain’s relationship and Rabbett below.
They have been together for over 30 years
In addition to his many roles in different films and programs, Chamberlain has also shown his actor chops on stage, appearing in several pieces throughout his career. In 2003, he spoke to the New York Times in a play in a play entitled “The Sharborn Lover” and opened his relationship with Rabbett in the interview.
Chamberlain explained that in the 60s and 80s, he did not like to discuss his personal life. But he was more willing to speak frankly in the early 2000s because he had “no image to defend”.
“I played a cat and mouse match with the press,” he said, referring to his efforts not to talk about his sexuality.
“Game Over,” he added.
The publication reported at the time that Chamberlain and Rabbett have been together for 27 years. They had lived in Oahu for more than a decade and built a beach house at the time.
Rabbett was also cited in the article, marking the first time that he and Chamberlain gave a couple interview, according to the New York Times.
During the rest, Rabbett said to Chamberlain: “” You are lighter, freer now. You have raised a lot, a lot of sails. “”
Rabbett helped change the Memoirs of Chamberlain in 2003 “Shattered Love”, which was published before the interview. The star of “Dr Kildare” spoke of his sexuality in the book, and the fans responded to memories with messages of support. Rabbett remembers reading a letter that said: “We have always known that you were there.”
He added: “It really touched me.”
They stayed friends after stopping living together
More than 10 years later, the New York Times again met Chamberlain and he shared an update on his relationship with Rabbett.
He told the newspaper in November 2014 that he and Rabbett had lived in Hawaii as partners for more than three decades, until Chamberlain moved to Los Angeles.
“We no longer live together, and we are much best friends than we have ever been,” said Chamberlain about Rabbett at the time. “So I’m advising married people, etc., to get another house.”
In Chamberlain’s Bold published on March 30, the New York Times reported: “Mr. Boll said that before his death, Mr. Chamberlain and Mr. Rabbett had resumed living together in Hawaii.”
In the 2014 interview, Chamberlain also thought about how he had struggled with his sexuality before going out.
Despite “being a hetero-heart” at the start of his career, “almost everyone in the business” had known he was gay, he said.
“When you grow in the 1930s, the 1940s and the 1950s being gay, it is not only easy, it is simply impossible,” he shared. “You can’t do it.”
Chamberlain shared that he had spent years in therapy and that he embarked on other practices to help him in his identity.
