Actor Richard Chamberlain, once renowned as the “king of the mini-series” for his leading roles in Shogun and The Thorn Birds, as well as in the 1960s medical drama Dr Kildare has died aged 90, a day before his birthday.
He was born 31 March 1934 6.20pm Los Angeles with an alcoholic, emotionally abusive father. Often seen squiring beautiful women at premieres he finally came out as gay in 2003 and talked of the relief he felt at not having to hide his sexuality any more.
He had a 10 degree Aries Sun catching yesterday’s Aries Solar Eclipse exactly and it was conjunct Mars in Aries and his Descendant. His enthusiastic and encouraging Libra Moon Jupiter were in his 1st opposition a 7th house Uranus square an influential/controlling 10th house Pluto. His Venus in Aquarius was conjunct Saturn in his performing 5th house. A powerful chart, with plenty of charm plus hints of relationship tensions.
It is interesting that having the exact time of birth puts his Mars exactly on his Descendance in Aries, with his Sun conjunct it, along with his Venus sextile Uranus. Mars on the Descant in its ruling house would make him very masculine. Venus/Uranus can indicate a liking for different relationships. It was astonishing that he was able to keep his sexuality a secret until 2003, when he came out in his Autobiography. Perhaps not though, as having just looked up when America officially abolished same sex relations; it said not until 2003? So maybe he came out for love as soon as he could? Which is rather sad to have to wait until he could.
Dr Kildare and The Fugitive were the first American series I watched in my early teens. Memories of a lost time.
I recall watching him on B&W television, 1960’s on Doctor Kildare. Had an intense personality, at least to a young kid.
B&W TV appeared to sharpen features. He was devilishly handsome. Although I think it was our mother’s who swooned, I know mind did. If we breathed when he was on TV , it was wrong.
It was thanks to Richard Chamberlain in Shogun that I discovered James Clavell’s books. Rest in Peace x
Thank you for this one, Marjorie. I loved Richard Chamberlain in Shogun. Sheesh, he does have a powerful chart. Moon/Jupiter brings the Libra charm with Venus/Saturn in the 5th bringing discipline in the arts. Played Hamlet to excellent reviews. May he travel well.