Richard Chamberlain, the leading man who launched his career as the dashing title character of NBC's Dr. Kildare before being crowned the "King of the Miniseries" thanks to his work on 1978's Centennial, 1980's Shōgun, and 1983's The Thorn Birds, has died. He was 90.

Chamberlain died Saturday in Waimanalo, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu, reports PEOPLE, two days away from what would have marked his 91st birthday. His cause of death was complications following a stroke.

"Our beloved Richard is with the angels now," Chamberlain's longtime partner, Martin Rabbett, said in a statement to the outlet. "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."


Born March 31, 1934, in Beverly Hills, Chamberlain became a TV heartthrob in 1961 after landing the role of Dr. James Kildare, a young medical intern trying to navigate the challenges of a large metropolitan hospital, bond with his experienced mentor, and deal with the health and personal issues of his patients. The hourlong medical drama, which also starred Raymond Massey, was an immediate hit, running through 1966.

Chamberlain found more success on the small screen with a role in Centennial, and again when he originated the role of John Blackthorn in Shōgun, the miniseries adaptation of the popular James Clavell novel about an English navigator who journeys to Japan in the 1600s and rises to high ranks in the service of the shōgun. His fame spiked again thanks to his performance in the 1983 miniseries The Thorn Birds. Chamberlain picked up three Golden Globes and earned four Emmy nominations across his career.

Watched him every week as Dr. Kildare.(he was so handsome)
REST IN PEACE MR. CHAMBERLAIN