Richard Chamberlain’s “life long partner” and best friend, Martin Rabbett, is paying tribute to the late actor following his death at the age of 90.
Chamberlain, who starred in miniseries like “Shōgun” in 1980 and “The Thorn Birds” in 1983, died on Saturday, March 29, his representative, Harlan Boll, confirmed in a statement.
Boll shared that Chamberlain died in Waimānalo, Hawaii, of complications after suffering a stroke. Chamberlain would have celebrated his 91st birthday on March 31.
Chamberlain is survived by Rabbett, his “life long partner and best friend,” whom he remained close to until his death, Boll said.
In a statement celebrating Chamberlain’s life, Rabbett, a writer and producer, said, “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.”
He added, “Love never dies. And our love is under his wings lifting him to his next great adventure.”
Read on to learn more about Chamberlain and Rabbett’s relationship, below.
They were together for over 30 years
In addition to his many roles in different movies and shows, Chamberlain also showed off his acting chops on the stage, appearing in multiple plays throughout his career. In 2003, he spoke to the New York Times about starring in a play called “The Stillborn Lover” and opened up about his relationship with Rabbett in the interview.
Chamberlain explained that in the ’60s and ’80s, he didn’t like to discuss his personal life. But he was more willing to speak candidly in the early 2000s because he had “no image to defend.”
“I played a cat-and-mouse game with the press,” he said, referring to his efforts to not speak about his sexuality.
“Game over,” he added.
The publication reported at the time that Chamberlain and Rabbett had been together for 27 years. They had lived in Oahu for over a decade and were building a beach house at the time.
Rabbett was quoted in the article, as well, marking the first time he and Chamberlain gave an interview as a couple, according to the New York Times.
