Richard Chamberlain’s Longtime Partner Martin Rabbett Speaks Out about His Death

Richard Chamberlain’s longtime partner, Martin Rabbett, has shared a heartfelt tribute following the legendary actor’s passing. Chamberlain died on March 29 in Waimanalo, Hawai’i, at the age of 90 due to complications from a stroke.

Rabbett expressed his sorrow in a statement, “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. Love never dies. And our love is under his wings lifting him to his next great adventure.”

In 2003, Chamberlain publicly came out as gay in his memoir, “Shattered Love,” writing, “I can talk about it now because I’m not afraid anymore.”

He reflected on his experience in an interview, “When I grew up, being gay, being a sissy or anything like that, was verboten. I disliked myself intensely and feared this part of myself intensely and had to hide it.”

Chamberlain was 69, and Rabbett was 50 when they first spoke to the media as a couple in an interview with The New York Times. Rabbett reflected on the challenges they faced, acknowledging, “We paid a high price for Richard’s fame.”

After years of keeping his sexuality private, Chamberlain spoke of the shift, “I played a cat-and-mouse game with the press. Game over.”

The actor embraced his truth, adding, “I have no image to defend.” Rabbett also recognized the change in him, telling Chamberlain, “You’re lighter, freer now. You’ve lifted many, many veils.”

Their openness marked a new chapter in their relationship, one that reflected honesty and liberation. Rabbett played a key role in shaping Chamberlain’s memoir, encouraging him to embrace truth in telling his story.

After the book’s release, Rabbett was moved by a message from one of Chamberlain’s longtime fans, who wrote, “‘We always knew you were there.'” He shared, “That really touched me.”

Chamberlain, meanwhile, noted the positive reception to his coming out, “No one has tried to run me down in the street.”

Richard Chamberlain, who was born on March 31, 1934, in Beverly Hills, California, had an extensive acting career. He attended Beverly Hills High School before pursuing a degree in art at Pomona College.

Following his graduation, he served in the U.S. Army for two years, spending time stationed in Korea. Upon returning, he took his first steps into acting with a guest role on Alfred Hitchcock “Presents,” marking the beginning of his illustrious career.

His success continued with standout performances in films such as “Petulia,” The Three Musketeers,” “The Music Lovers,” and Peter Weir’s “The Last Wave.” His versatility extended to both television and film, with appearances in “The Drew Carey Show,” “Nip/Tuck,” “I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry, Brothers & Sisters,” and “We Are the Hartmans.”

His dominance in television miniseries earned him the title “King of the Miniseries,” thanks to his standout performances in “Centennial,” “Shogun,” and “The Thorn Birds.” Still, Chamberlain excelled on television, taking on roles such as King Edward VIII, Octavius Caesar, and Scott Fitzgerald.

Beyond acting, he briefly explored a music career, recording romantic ballads and earning a Grammy nomination. His talents also extended to the stage, where he portrayed the title role in “Hamlet” with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in England.

On Broadway, he starred in “My Fair Lady” and “The Sound of Music.” Chamberlain later toured successfully with both productions and took on the role of King Arthur in the national tour of the musical “Spamalot.”

In addition to his work in acting and music, Chamberlain was deeply passionate about environmental conservation. He was a strong advocate for the preservation of the Tuolumne River, which flows from Yosemite National Park in California.

His dedication played a key role in securing its protection under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, ensuring its natural beauty and ecosystem remained safeguarded for future generations.

Beyond his career, Martin Rabbett’s words after Chamberlain’s death reflect the profound love they had for each other. They paint a picture of a life filled with warmth, companionship, and devotion.

As the entertainment industry mourns a true legend, his legacy lives on, not just in his work but in the love he leaves behind.

Throughout the peaks and valleys of his career, one constant was his relationship with Rabbett. Though their personalities and age differences occasionally clashed — Chamberlain once described himself as “the epitome of selfishness” — they shared what he called a “deep soul relationship that is astounding.”

They married privately in 1984 and spent more than three decades together, living mostly in Hawaii.

In the early 2010s, rumors swirled that the couple had split. But Chamberlain later clarified, “Well, we haven’t really split. In other words, we’re still very, very close. The essence of our relationship has remained the same; we just don’t happen to be living together.”

Chamberlain explained that he moved to Los Angeles to focus on his career, while Rabbett chose to remain elsewhere, as he didn’t enjoy living in L.A. but was considering relocating to San Francisco.

They remained in regular contact and continued spending time together. “I went home for Thanksgiving and had the most wonderful time,” Chamberlain said. “And we’ll be spending Christmas together with friends in New York.”

It was one of many quiet moments Chamberlain shared in his later years — personal, reflective, and deeply human. While he stepped away from the spotlight, these glimpses revealed a man who had not vanished, but instead chosen when and how to be seen.

Although Chamberlain officially retired in 2019 at age 85, he made a few quiet appearances in his final years. These moments — captured in photos and a video — offered fans a final glimpse of a beloved actor who remained gracious, thoughtful, and quietly engaged with the world.

That same year, Chamberlain appeared in a public service announcement supporting Hawai’i’s Our Care, Our Choice Act, which gives terminally ill individuals the legal option of medical aid in dying.

In March 2023, Chamberlain made two appearances at the Manoa Valley Theatre in Honolulu. At one event, he was photographed holding a signed vinyl record of his 1963 film “Twilight of Honor.”

Later that month, he returned to the same venue and greeted guests backstage during intermission. Wearing leis and smiling warmly, he appeared relaxed and happy to be among longtime supporters.

A few months later, in August, another photo captured Chamberlain at a private gathering in Honolulu. He’s seen smiling alongside Chef Lillian Cumic, wearing a printed shirt and glasses, looking cheerful and at ease. Cumic holds a cloth with the word “Breathe” written on it as they pose warmly for the camera.

As public photos of Chamberlain reappeared in later years, they prompted nostalgic reactions from longtime fans. “Wow, a legend,” one wrote. “Major crush way back when,” added another.

Years earlier, he had addressed rumors about plastic surgery. In the 1990s, he offered $10,000 to any plastic surgeon who could find proof he had a facelift — adding that if they found nothing, they would owe him the same.

After decades in the spotlight, Chamberlain found a different kind of fulfillment in retirement. He lived quietly in Waimanalo, Hawaii, where he painted, read, and embraced a life far removed from the noise of Hollywood. “Life is really nice,” he said in 2022.

He spoke openly about enjoying the slower pace of retirement, saying he appreciated the chance to live simply after decades of demanding work. After nearly 60 years in the industry, he found joy in everyday things — watching movies, spending time with friends, and no longer feeling the pressure of a full-time acting career.

Those who saw him in his final years noted the same quiet charisma that had defined him for decades. A New York Times profile in 2014 captured his “aura of enthusiasm” and deep curiosity. Whether chatting over guacamole with a friend or reflecting on his journey, he remained open, thoughtful, and aware of the impact of his story.

In a 2024 interview with TV Insider, Chamberlain was asked which role he was most proud of. Without hesitation, he named “The Thorn Birds,” calling its worldwide impact “amazing.” He also reflected on the experience of working with actors like Barbara Stanwyck and Rachel Ward, describing the cast as “fabulous.”

Even as he looked back on his most iconic roles with pride, Chamberlain remained active in spirit — grateful, reflective, and present in the moment. Less than a year later, the industry and fans would say goodbye.